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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Manchester United fans make Edinson Cavani demand after Southampton performance

Manchester United fans want to see Edinson Cavani start for the club from now on following his match-winning display against Southampton.

It looked as though United were going to suffer their fourth defeat of the Premier League season at half-time on the South Coast, as Saints had taken a two-goal lead thanks to a Jan Bednarek header and a wicked James Ward-Prowse free-kick.

In an attempt to salvage the situation, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent on Cavani at half-time and the striker turned the match on its head.

United got a goal back just before the hour mark, with the Uruguayan playing a crucial role as his cross was controlled by Bruno Fernandes then dispatched into the net.

The duo then swapped roles as Fernandes's deflected strike teed up Cavani to head in the equaliser, before the striker repeated the feat in added time to complete the comeback and secure the three points.

It was a performance that signalled Cavan's arrival at United following his summer move after being released by Paris Saint-Germain, and proved exactly what he can bring to the table.

Fans, understandably, were massively impressed by the 33-year-old's showing and now believe he should be a certain starter, beginning with the visit of PSG to Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Cavani also earned the praise of pundits in the Sky Sports studio after the match, with Chelsea great Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink being particularly impressed by his movement.

“Movement. Every young striker needs to look at him," he said. "He anticipates, he’s always on the move, he knows when the ball is coming, puts his head in the right place. If you see where he starts, he springs to the ball with a nice little glance and it’s all about Cavani. The ball in is a good ball, but if he doesn’t have that movement, he doesn’t score.”

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