Gary Neville is hopeful that Edinson Cavani can be a successful signing for Manchester United - but has once again hit out at the club's transfer policy.
The Uruguayan striker is set to sign a lucrative two-year contract with United after agreeing a £200,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.
Neville has likened the imminent signing to that of three other experienced strikers that United have signed in the past, and admitted he is excited to see Cavani in action.
"They need a striker," Neville told Sky Sports. "I think my emotion yesterday when I heard was the feeling I probably had when Radamel Falcao, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, or Odion Ighalo signed.
"It’s very last minute, came out of nowhere. There’s an element of thrill to it, intrigue, excitement, because he’s one of the world’s great strikers over the last 10 years and you hope he can set the Premier League on fire."
While Neville is pleased his former side are finally signing another forward, he also believes it was clear Cavani was never the first-choice, and has questioned why United have left it until the last minute to buy one.
"There’s an element also of how have we ended up here," he added. "Man Utd two or three months ago had a great coronavirus period, acted with great class, finished third in the league. That’s as close to City as they could have got.
"And if they go and get three or four signings this season, but we’re here on the eve of the transfer deadline with Donny van de Beek as the only signing and currently he can’t get into a packed midfield.
"So Cavani’s signing will be welcome, I think he’s different to the other strikers, I hope he comes fit, firing, he’s always worked hard so I have no doubt about that.
"He’s not the type to come for a swansong or pay off. I think he’s got more about him. I don’t think he’ll come with anything other than to prove himself but I certainly don’t think it was part of the strategy or the plan."
*Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
