His Deadline Day wheeling and dealing earned him cult hero status among some fans – but even Harry Redknapp did not approve of Manchester United ’s last-minute swoop for Edinson Cavani.
The Uruguayan is Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time top goalscorer but was let go in August amid fears over the 33-year-old’s long-term fitness.
His late switch across the Channel last week has divided Red Devils supporters, with some accusing the club of attempting to paper over cracks in their performances and player development.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had recently suffered their humiliating 6-1 defeat at home to Redknapp’s former team Tottenham Hotspur and are languishing two places above the relegation zone with just one win from three matches so far.
“I think you all know I like a gamble now and again… but nothing like the one Manchester United have taken in signing Edinson Cavani,” Redknapp wrote in his column for The Sun on Sunday .
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"But signing Cavani, 33, on over £200,000 a week on the final day of the transfer window did smack of desperation to me.
“If he was someone United were that keen on signing, why did they leave it so late?
“Cavani has been a great player over the years and if he’s still got the hunger and the talent, then he’ll do a good job for them.
“I hope for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sake he is because they certainly cannot afford any more displays like that one against Spurs.”
Though Cavani came as a free agent, he will be pocketing £200,000 a week, six years after United reportedly first tried to bring him to Old Trafford with help from Sir Alex Ferguson.
The speedy forward joined PSG for £55million in 2013 – a record in French football – and bagged 138 goals in 171 appearances.
He won Ligue 1 six times while in Paris but could not help the side achieve their main target of the Champions League.
He could come up against his former club almost immediately when United travel to the Parc des Princes next Tuesday.
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