Ole Gunnar Solskjaer joked that Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani has already learned two very important English words.
Cavani was a half-time substitute at Southampton on Sunday, laying on Bruno Fernandes’ goal before heading in twice to give United a famous 3-2 victory.
It was the 33-year-old’s fifth sub-appearance in the Premier League now that he is aware of the game in England. He then got into hot water with a social media post in which he used the phrase “gracias n ******”.
He later apologized, but the former PSG star is adjusting well to the pace of the top flight, even though he asked for a day off after the win on the south coast.
Solskjaer said, “He’s already learned two English words – out tomorrow. He wants a day off after a win.
“If we win a game, he already knows it!”
The Norwegian coach has labeled Cavani a “viking” in the past and asked about his new striker. He said, “We never give in, we Vikings. It was a bit unfair to Edinson, but it was a compliment because I always look at players’ ability to play, even when you don’t have a perfect day.”
Solskjaer has admitted that Cavani’s role as a team player was what he noticed in the veteran forward. Three goals from five sub appearances has been a great result so far, but Solskjaer says his work pace is the best.
“We know he has talent and I could have talked about his predatory instincts as a striker, but what struck me is his ability to be a team player, which we have already seen here with his work pace.
“His running statistics show him the best in the Premier League, which says it all at 33,” added Solskjaer.
Ole award for first place
Solskjaer said “everyone has raised their hands and is available for selection” against PSG, with David De Gea fit despite a knockout at half time against Southampton.
United only needs one point from the remaining two games in Group H to progress to the knockout stages, but the Norwegian wants more.
“The faster you can qualify, the better of course,” said Solskajer. “With a win we win the group, so that is our intention.
“We want to go out in our style, offensive and of course well defensive against a top team with some individual top players.
“But our mindset is to win this game and we’ve won the group.”
The United boss was also asked about a possible battle between Cavani and Anthony Martial over an attack.
But leading up to Wednesday’s home game with PSG in the Champions League, Solskjaer said: “I think there is only one position here that we can only say between Dean and David. The rest have the option to play in different positions.
“Anthony, Marcus, Mason, even Edinson… they can play in any position in the front four. There are tactical reasons why it’s Anthony, Marcus, Mason or Edinson in the middle. Sometimes there are two. “
READ MORE: Solskjaer says United can improve from last season
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