Rio Ferdinand urged Man Utd to sign Edinson Cavani nine months before arrival

Rio Ferdinand urged Manchester United to go and sign Edinson Cavani nine months before his arrival at Old Trafford.

Cavani, 34, joined United on a free transfer back in October after departing Paris St-Germain upon the expiry of his contract.

Many questioned whether the Uruguay striker was past the peak of his powers while approaching his mid-30s, but he has gone on to prove an important member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad this season.

He has produced a solid return of 14 goals in 34 games, registering four goals and three assists in their 8-4 Europa League semi-final win over Roma.

And Ferdinand is not surprised that Cavani has enjoyed such an impressive debut season with his former club – because he wanted them to sign him 16 months ago.

After Cavani scored twice against Roma on Thursday night, the ex-England defender reposted one of his old tweets from January 2020 which read: "Just thinking…. I would 100% go & get @ECavaniOfficial (Edinson Cavani).

"Huge experience, Goalscorer, Work Ethic & Great Pro who the younger players in the squad would learn a lot from! Thoughts?!"

Cavani only put pen to paper on a one-year contract with United, which is set to expire at the end of June.

Solskjaer is desperate to keep him for at least another season, with talks over an extension ongoing.

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    • "Edinson has shown again why we want to keep him at Old Trafford," the Norwegian said after the 3-2 second-leg defeat at Roma.

    "Football has its own language. Edinson has proven tonight, in previous games and throughout his career what a centre-forward should be doing both on and off the ball, both preparing for games and recovering from games.

    "He's an absolute top professional and everyone in my team can learn from him."

    United will now turn their attention to three final Premier League fixtures before the Europa League final, which comes against Villarreal on May 26.

    READ MORE:Three things Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got right but one he got wrong as Man Utd reach Europa League final

    READ MORE:Man Utd hero Edwin van der Sar drops hint over replacing Ed Woodward

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