Edinson Cavani, Manchester United Agree on Contract Extension Until 2022
May 10, 2021
Manchester United and veteran forward Edinson Cavani have agreed to a one-year contract extension for next season, the club announced Monday.
"Over the season, I have developed a great affection for the club and everything that it represents," Cavani said. "I feel a deep bond with my teammates and the staff who work behind the scenes here. They give me extra motivation every day, and I know that, together, we can achieve special things."
"I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field," he added. "I've not yet been able to play in front of the Old Trafford crowd, and that is something that I cannot wait to do."
The 34-year-old has had a solid season for Manchester United this year, posting nine goals and two assists in 23 Premier League appearances (11 starts). In 35 matches overall this year, the Uruguayan has accumulated 15 goals and five assists.
Cavani has come on strong for the club down the stretch, with eight goals in his last seven appearances. Manchester United currently sit second in the Premier League table, 10 points behind Manchester City, and will face Villareal in the Europa League final on May 26.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke highly of Cavani in a statement:
"I said when Edinson signed, that he would bring energy, power and leadership to this group and I haven't been proved wrong, he has been everything I thought he would be and more. As coaches, we knew about his goalscoring record. However, it is his personality that has brought so much to this squad, he has a winning mentality and has an unequivocal attitude to everything he does. Edinson is one of the last to leave the training ground and sets the tone for the upcoming youngsters with his approach to his profession every single day."
With options in Cavani, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial, the Red Devils possess one of the most dangerous attacks in the Premier League. Cavani's ability to lead the line made him a logical candidate to return for another season and will allow the club to address other needs in this summer's transfer window.