Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals first thing Edinson Cavani asked for as a Manchester United player

Cavani still has ‘a few years left in him’, says Solskjaer

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani (Getty Images)

Edinson Cavani asked to become Manchester United’s new number seven upon arriving at Old Trafford and has the quality to stay beyond the end of his year-long contract, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Cavani came on as a substitute and set up Bruno Fernandes for United's second goal in the 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Boxing Day, having scored late on to all but secure an EFL Cup semi-final place a few days earlier against Everton.

The Uruguayan has four goals in 13 appearances for United, despite only making four starts since joining as a free agent in October, and Solskjaer is ready to give Cavani more opportunities to impress over the coming weeks.

"He is definitely a starter. You don’t classify a player of that quality as anything else," he said after the draw at the King Power Stadium.  

"We have plenty of starters, more than 11. That is the thing when you are at Man United. You should believe and trust in yourself. I trust him. We have good competition for places. He will probably start more games than he will not start."

Cavani signed a season-long contract with the option of a one-year extension and took the famous No 7 shirt, having requested it from Solskjaer.

"That was the first thing he asked me when I spoke to him, if he could wear the number seven," the United manager revealed.  

"Obviously we are talking about the history of the shirt. When you think of the history of his career and the experience he has had, his personality from the chat I had with him and when I watched him before, it wasn’t in doubt that he could handle the number seven shirt.  

"He is so meticulous and professional, his habits and everything about him, shows why he has had the career he has. Even at the age he is now he is one of the fittest players we have got."

And Solskjaer believes Cavani's strict fitness regime means that he has plenty of time left at the very top, increasing the likelihood of United triggering the one-year extension at the end of the season.

"At the moment it looks like he has a few years left in him so I wouldn’t say anything else," Solskjaer added.  

"He has made a great impact when he has come here. Let’s focus on improving everyone but he has a few years left in him."