Manchester United pulled off a brilliant move in the summer of 2020 when they signed Edinson Cavani on a free transfer. After a long career at Paris Saint-Germain, the Uruguayan was allowed to leave at the end of his contract despite being the French club’s all-time highest goal scorer. Somebody’s loss is someone’s gain as the Red Devils swooped in to bring him to Old Trafford.
Initially, a lot of eyebrows were raised regarding the move as Cavani did not enjoy a great start at Manchester United, struggling with both form and fitness.
As a result, rumours of a move away from the club started to crop up in the middle of the 2020/21 season itself, as Boca Juniors emerged as a potential destination for the Uruguayan.
Fortunately for Manchester United, an exit did not transpire and Cavani ended up remaining at Old Trafford, coming into his own in the second half of the campaign.
Cavani was one of Manchester United’s best players last season
Cavani might have taken his time to get it going at Manchester United but once he did, there was no stopping him.
The Uruguayan found the back of the net on a consistent basis and was playing like one of the best strikers in the world in the second half of the season.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Cavani finished the 2020/21 season with 17 goals and 10 assists to his name for Manchester United in 40 appearances across all competitions. That includes an incredible run of form in the Europa League, where he scored 6 goals and provided 6 assists in just 5 appearances.
As a result, it was not a surprise when the club ended up extending Cavani’s contract and it was expected that he would lead the line for Manchester United this season. Things would take an unexpected turn in the summer though.