Cavani nets double in classic Manchester United comeback

Edinson Cavani’s second-half goals helped Manchester United fight back from 2-0 down and grab all three points against Southampton.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side went into the half-time interval 2-0 down thanks to a headed effort from Jan Bednarek and James Ward-Prowse’s pin point free-kick.

Seeking to relight United’s hopes, the Norwegian turned to Uruguayan international Cavani who was bought by the club in the summer on a free transfer. After impressing in midweek’s win over Istanbul Başakşehir, many were confused as to why the frontman didn’t start the game ahead of Mason Greenwood.

Two goals to secure the victory and an assist was all it took for Edinson Cavani to write his name into the Manchester United history books. The striker sparked discussion amongst supporters when he joined in October – with countless questioning was it worth the weight on the wage bill on account of his age and injury record.

Ten minutes after entering the field, ‘El Matador’ found himself involved straightaway, watching his half-volleyed effort sail over the crossbar from close range. Not long after Cavani’s precise delivery found Bruno Fernandes inside the Southampton box – who took one touch on the turn and found the bottom corner, offering a lifeline for Ole’s reds.

With 20 minutes to find an equaliser, the Uruguayan headed just wide from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s timely delivery. As United continued to knock on the door, Cavani looked dangerous with his smart movement causing issues for the Saints backline.

United’s number seven found the back of the net to grab an equaliser after Bruno Fernandes’ inviting ball met a diving Cavani to steer it past a hopeless Alex McCarthy.

With just over 15 minutes to play, the away side must’ve been reminiscing about the famous comebacks in 2012 and 2019 respectively. Robin van Persie, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku all scored huge goals in previous 3-2 wins against Southampton – Cavani was desperate to add his name to this list.

Come what may, Manchester United stuck it up a gear in stoppage time. Marcus Rashford’s delivery was latched onto by an outstretched Cavani who nodded home a famous winner in the 92nd minute. The forward sealed the United comeback as they’ve done so many times in the past – especially against Southampton.

Solskjaer was full of praise for the match winner, telling BBC after the final whistle, “Great impact of course. He is a number nine who wants to be in between the posts, he is always on the move, he wants to get in front of you and I am very pleased with him.”

In 129 minutes, Cavani has scored three goals and bagged one assist in the Premier League so far. The celebrations may have to be halted slightly however, as a social media post Cavani made after the game is being investigated by the FA for using a racially offensive term. The post has since been deleted and the striker has been informed of the way the term is perceived in the UK according to Sky Sports.

The 33-year-old’s classy off-the-ball movement and killer instinct helped Manchester United seal a record eighth consecutive away win – something Sir Alex Ferguson failed to do. United will be hoping for more of the same as they face Cavani’s former club Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

 

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