Frank McAvennie believes it would be "madness" for Manchester United to allow Edinson Cavani to leave.
The Uruguayan's contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in the summer, and his future has been subject to speculation in recent weeks with Barcelona said to be interested.
Cavani has been out of action since the 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur after a recurring tendon problem flared up, forcing him to miss the international break and the Reds' recent run.
But former Scotland international McAvennie has urged United to keep the 34-year-old and believes there are "few strikers better" than Cavani on his day.
"You have to keep him,” he told Football Insider. “He’s got to be one of the best attackers at Man United. For me, there are few strikers better than Cavani on his day. You have a 20-plus goal striker there. He hasn’t quite shown it this season but we saw it last year.
“Stick him in attack and give him the same number of chances as Ronaldo, you will see a similar goal return.
Cavani has yet to feature for United since that comfortable win at Spurs in November where he opened his account for the season. But he could return for tonight's clash with Newcastle, in what would be his first appearance under new interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
McAvennie added: “Letting him go is madness. He can still do a job, a great job. I’m a big fan of his and I don’t know why he’s not playing more. Maybe it’s because there is an emphasis on the younger players at Man United.
“That’s fine but sometimes you need experience and Cavani has over 300 career goals.”
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