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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Mark Jones

Edinson Cavani Man Utd debut moment leads Michael Owen to make encouraging prediction

Former Manchester United forward Michael Owen saw something in Edinson Cavani's Red Devils debut to suggest that he's set for a fruitful period at the club.

The Uruguayan, 33, has been a reliable goalscorer across Europe for the past decade, and is former club Paris Saint-Germain's top scorer of all-time with 200 strikes.

Cavani came close to scoring with his first touch as a United player in Saturday's goalless draw at Chelsea, as he nipped to the near post and flicked an effort into the side-netting.

Owen - who played 52 games for United at the end of his career, scoring 17 goals - was impressed with the effort, and thinks it hints at more to come.

Cavani came close to scoring with a flicked effort (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

"I love this guy’s movement, he’s my type of striker," Owen told Premier League Productions.

"I’ve always said half a yard at the near post is better than two or three yards at the back post because invariably the ball doesn’t get there.

"And if it does, defenders turn, spin and close you down.

"The timing of his run, he’s on his toes, Thiago [Silva] played alongside him at Paris Saint-Germain, he knows exactly how he does it, when he tries to time it, you could see that, talk about knowing your players, great defending.

Owen was impressed with Cavani's movement (BT Sport)

"Normally, against most defenders he might have got there in front, nicked it and he would’ve have got a block in.

"We only saw a brief cameo but I’ve seen him for years and years and always thought he’s one of the best movers in the game in terms of those little darting runs, he loves nipping in front of defenders.

"I think he’s going to score a few.

"As long as United have pressure on the opponents. They get crosses in. He’s very much an 18-yard box type of striker that makes darting runs."

Where will United finish this season? Have your say in the comments below

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