Ralf Rangnick has hailed Edinson Cavani as “the perfect role model” after revealing the Uruguayan has pledged his future to Manchester United for the rest of the season.
Cavani has started just four games for United during the current campaign and there has been speculation that the 34-year-old could look to end his spell at Old Trafford this month
But Cavani has made a positive impression on Rangnick since the interim manager arrived in December, and the German admitted he was “desperate” for the striker to remain at the club when speaking earlier this month.
Even though Cavani only has six months remaining on his contract, it appears Rangick has got his wish, with the manager saying: “I told him that if it was up to me I would want him to stay and I had a conversation with him.
“He came to my office and we spoke for almost half an hour and he told me that he will definitely stay, he will want to stay until the end of the season.
“Not only because I told him that he should stay or has to stay, but he did it on his own behalf. He told me that I can rely on him to stay until the end of the season and give his very best, be a role model for the young players.
“He’s available and he’s happy to play. Even if he’s not playing, he will be trying to be the best possible role model for the other players.
“This is, for me, good news because Edi is one of those players – with his vast amount of experience, his mentality, his work ethic – who could really be a perfect role model for all the other players.”
Cavani will be hoping to make his fifth start of the season when United host Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Monday night.
The competition could represent United’s most realistic path to a trophy this season, given they lie seventh in the Premier League and face a tough Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid.
Rangnick has an extra incentive to taste success in the FA Cup after revealing his emotional attachment to the historic tournament, dating back to his time studying in England four decades ago.
“I’ve always been a big fan, supporter and admirer of the FA Cup,” the 63-year-old said. “I remember back in 1980 or 1981 when I spent my year abroad in Brighton I watched the FA Cup final at Wembley. It was West Ham against Arsenal, it was my farewell present from my team-mates.
“I’ve always been a big admirer of the atmosphere – that was obviously the old Wembley stadium.
