Ole Gunnar Solskjaer responds to Cavani exit talk

Cavani’s father said striker wishes to leave United and return to South America

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani (Manchester United via Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested that Edinson Cavani still needs to be convinced to stay at Manchester United next season amid speculation over the Uruguayan striker’s long-term future.

Cavani’s father Luis revealed on Tuesday that his son is “not comfortable” in England and is deliberating whether to return to his native South America at the end of the season, with Boca Juniors one of his potential suitors.

The United striker responded to his father’s comments in an Instagram post with an image of his goal celebration in the 3-3 draw with Everton last month, declaring himself “proud to wear this shirt”.

Cavani’s contract contains the option of a one-year extension but Solskjaer said that a decision is yet to be reached on the 34-year-old’s future and implied that he may need to be persuaded to stay in Manchester.

“Edinson is fully focused on being available for us and working really hard to get fit,” the United manager said.

“From my bad Portugese and his better English, he's proud to play for Man United. Beyond this season a decision hasn’t been made.

“He's made a great contribution so far. We're working on getting him back on the pitch and fit and we'll convince him when the weather in Manchester improves.”

Cavani’s father said that his son is still unhappy after being charged by the Football Association and fined £100,000 for an Instagram post which included a racially sensitive Spanish phrase.

The former Paris Saint-Germain striker apologised, deleted the post and did not contest the FA’s charge out of respect for anti-racism campaigns in football, but always insisted that the post carried no malicious intent.

Solskjaer refused to say whether the controversy is weighing on Cavani’s mind and playing a part in his decision but suggested that it will be down to the player himself whether he stays or goes.

“I can't comment on what has been said. I can only say that we're very pleased with Edinson when he's here,” Solskjaer said.

“He's working really hard to be available every day, day in day out he's proving his personality and professionality. Even in his broken English he's really helping the young kids as we wanted him to.

“We knew he wasn't able to play every single game because he'd been out of football for so long.

“Now, let's just make sure he plays as much as possible before the end of the season, scores as many goals as he can, helps the young players - the strikers, the forwards, even the rest of the group with his mentality - then he will make his decision.

“He knows that we are very fond of what he's given to the club even though he's probably played less games than he wanted.”

Cavani is not expected to be available to Solskjaer for United’s Europa League last-16 meeting with AC Milan at Old Trafford, having missed Sunday’s Manchester derby win through injury.