Mark Hughes has hailed the ‘big influence’ Uruguay international Edinson Cavani has had at Manchester United and says there is no doubt his former club should hand the experienced striker a fresh contract.
The 33-year-old has found the net seven times in 22 games for the Red Devils since signing for the club on a free transfer last October.
The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker joined the Premier League giants on a one-year contract, with the option of another year extension.
And Mark, a two-time Premier League winner who netted 163 goals in 467 games for United, says Edinson has filled a void his ole side desperately needed to fill in the attack.
“He does make a difference to United in my view,” the former Wales and Blackburn head coach told Tuesday’s talkSPORT Breakfast.
“Prior to him coming to the club, [Marcus] Rashford, [Anthony] Martial and [Mason] Greenwood were all tried through the middle but I never felt any of them really knew the role as you need to know the role – being the main target and the focus of attacks.
“Whereas when Cavani plays you sense that the team has a little bit more focus and direction towards the top end of the pitch. The other guys can now play in a position they favour.
“He’s had a big influence, and if it was my decision I’d sign him straight away because I think he’s an outstanding player.”
In the meantime, RB Leipzig centre-half Ibrahima Konate is now being considered by United chiefs as one of their top summer transfer targets to slot into the defence alongside the England international Harry Maguire.
