Edinson Cavani has vowed to give his all for Manchester United – even if that means coming off the bench to make an impact.
Cavani has played just 119 minutes this season for United, his limited playing time a consequence of injury and Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he will not tolerate “energy sappers” or “sulkers” who put their own interests before those of the team, after Donny van de Beek's public show of anger at not coming on against Villarreal.
Ronaldo also stormed straight down the tunnel, making his displeasure for everyone to see, after United were held 1-1 by Everton on Saturday, a game he started on the bench.
But Solskjaer will have no such issues with Cavani, with the 34-year-old Uruguay striker content to give his all for United – whether that is from the start or from the substitutes bench.
Asked about his lack of minutes and Ronaldo's return, Cavani said: "Those are things that happen, a lot of debate is created, but football is football and you don’t have to turn it around too much, it’s not because one or the other is there.
"The important thing is to be prepared for when it’s your turn, you always want to play, he wants to be there forever, but that is not going to change my way of thinking or acting.
"In football, you have to always be ready. It’s one of the keys at the top level.
"Sometimes you play more, sometimes you play less, managers make decisions, but that doesn’t stop the work to always be competitive.
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"The league has just started and I need to be ready, not quite like last year, but I’m there to be a part of it."
Cavani celebrated a year at United yesterday, following his arrival as a free agent from Paris St Germain.
Despite his age and injury issues prior to his signing, Cavani has become a cult hero among United fans, who admire his work-rate, willingness to press and chase down lost causes, not to mention his lethal finishing.
Cavani, who signed a one-year contract extension in the summer, with the option of an extra season, has since scored 17 goals in 43 appearances for United, with many fans keen to seem start up front alongside Ronaldo.
Solskjaer has so far resisted the temptation to start with both Cavani and Ronaldo, but may come under pressure to unleash them both together in the weeks ahead.
