When Manchester United resigned Edinson Cavani for another year, they hoped that the experienced forward would be a key part of the team's continued improvement under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Now in the final months of the season, it's fair to say it's not worked out as desired.
Cavani has missed 21 games through injury in what has been an incredibly problematic season for the team. With Cristiano Ronaldo struggling to find consistent form and no other options to fill the number nine spot, the Uruguayan's unavailability has left United without much of a Plan B.
What also muddies the waters somewhat is Cavani's ability to be fit for Uruguay's national team fixtures, only to then consistently get injured during the break, ruling himself out for more United fixtures. And that was the case again with week as the striker went off injured against Chile to throw his participation this coming weekend into doubt.
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo have shown Manchester United new attacking blueprint
Upon hearing the news, United fans were less than shocked. They made their thoughts known on Twitter:
Obviously, when fit, Cavani is an excellent striker and his ability to find space in the box is among the best in the world. So, given his advancing years - he turned 35 years old last month - and fitness concerns, does the problem lie with United putting too much faith in a striker they knew they couldn't rely on?
Perhaps. When you come off in a fixture after 29 minutes at the age of 35, a fair assessment is that Cavani is another case of age and injury issues catching up with him.
The Manchester Evening News understands the plan for United this summer is to sign a younger striker to replace Cavani and, it seems in that regard, they have learnt their lesson. That being that two strikers at the wrong end of their 30s are not what you need to lead the line in the long term and, with Ronaldo's contract expiring at the end of next season, they have to plan with the future in mind.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
