Edinson Cavani’s deadline day transfer to Manchester United highlights the fact that the club are not progressing, Paul Merson believes.
Cavani was one of of four signings on the final day of a haphazard transfer window, where key areas of weaknesses were failed to be addressed.
The 33-year-old Uruguayan striker brings a wealth of experience and outstanding goal record to Old Trafford, and most supporters have welcomed his arrival.
Cavani, who will wear number seven for the Reds, was signed to provide competition for Anthony Martial, and he will replace Odion Ighalo whose contract at his boyhood club expires in January.
Despite ‘El Matador’ adding useful quality to Solskjaer’s frontline, Sky Sports pundit Merson is unimpressed by the transfer and cannot see the striker arresting a woeful start to the season.
“Edinson Cavani is an underwhelming signing for Manchester United that shows they are going nowhere,” Merson told the Daily Star.
“He’s been available on a free transfer since I don’t know when, and I don’t think they got beaten by Tottenham because they can’t put the ball in the net.
“Having a man sent off in that game just gave them an excuse. They were already all over the shop defensively.
“They have opened the door for teams like Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton to finish in the top four this season.
“I don’t think they are a top four club at the moment. They can’t defend for toffee, and they let Chris Smalling go to Roma. He would probably get in the team right now.
“Cavani feels like a Quick Fix. But he’s probably not even that if I’m being honest. I don’t see him being the difference.”
As Merson notes, it is baffling that a central defender was not added in the transfer window, particularly after a disastrous start to the season with eleven goals conceded in three league games.
ESPN reported that the club missed out on all of Solskjaer’s prime summer targets including centre-backs Nathan Ake and Dayot Upamecano.
While Cavani won’t solve a defensive shambles, he could certainly lift the mood in the fanbase if he hits the ground running with goals in his first few appearances.
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