Gary Neville admits he was ‘nervous’ over Man Utd chief Ed Woodward’s transfer decision

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Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has admitted that he was unsure why Ed Woodward sanctioned a deal to sign Edinson Cavani last summer – but he been won over by the veteran forward.

United failed to replace Romelu Lukaku in the summer of 2019 when the Belgian moved to Inter Milan.

A host of forwards, including Erling Haaland, were chased by the Red Devils but their efforts came to no avail.

It was not until deadline day last October that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finally got a new No 9.

But it appeared as though they had picked Cavani up off the scrapheap because he was a free agent for months following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain.

Neville admitted he had doubts over the 33-year-old but Cavani has since proved his worth and is a regular in the starting XI.

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“Yeah I was a little bit nervous,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“Obviously the last minute nature of his arrival, reminiscent of signings that have gone wrong over the past few years for Manchester United. But I have to say he’s been a revelation.

“His attitude, which is the only real question about him because his quality is fantastic, is spot on. His out of possession work is far better than Martial, Rashford and Greenwood.

“They’ve got a lot to learn those young players in terms of how he operates when Manchester United haven’t got the ball and I think ultimately, those young three I’ve named, haven’t grabbed that No 9 spot.

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“He’s come in, off the bench to start with, then you see his movement when he’s started playing, they look more physical up front when he’s there and he’s done brilliantly for United in this last month or so.”

Solskjaer has recently hailed the Uruguayan for the impact he has had on the team.

“I think you’re wrong, I don’t think he has had a slow start,” the Norwegian boss said.

“I think he has done really well, he’s been excellent.

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“He’s obviously been injured, anyone can be injured. He came late [in the transfer window] so I’m really pleased with his influence. In the dressing room, his habits that he brings to training, his attitude to the game. You can see how well he looks after himself.

“He’s scored some very important goals for us and it gives us experience, he gives a lot.

“He’s just going to be here, better and better of course because he was out for seven months. We’ve been patient with him and I think he’s made a big impact.”

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