Roy Keane says Edinson Cavani transfer ‘gamble’ paid off for Manchester United

Forward netted a brace to help his side come from behind to defeat Southampton in dramatic fashion

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Manchester United legend Roy Keane has hailed the performance of Edinson Cavani after the forward netted a brace to ensure his side came from behind to beat Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.

The visitors trailed 2-0 at half-time at St Mary’s, but Cavani came off the bench at the end of the break and scored two headers – his second coming in added time – to seal a 3-2 victory.

And Cavani’s performance proved some doubters wrong, according to Keane, referencing the fact that many observers had expected the Uruguay international’s summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain to go the same way as moves from the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Radamel Falcao, Angel di Maria and Alexis Sanchez – all of whom failed to make the desired impact in United’s front line.

“It was always a gamble when he came to club,” Keane told Sky Sports.

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“People were doubting, did he have the hunger and desire?

“We’ve seen proof of it today. He could prove a huge signing for Manchester United.”

Cavani is potentially facing a three-match ban, however, for a racial term he used on social media after the win against Southampton.

The 33-year-old took to Instagram to celebrate his match-winning performance, and while replying on his stories to a message of congratulations, Cavani used the Spanish term ‘negrito’, which translates as ‘black’.

United stressed that the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different connotations in South America, where Cavani is from.