‘They need’: Merson says underused Manchester United ace must start vs Chelsea

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Paul Merson has insisted Edinson Cavani should start for Manchester United against Chelsea on Sunday.

Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson urged United to use the experienced striker from the first whistle to help avoid a Premier League onslaught at Stamford Bridge.

Cavani has only featured five times in the top flight this season, three of those as a substitute.

Injuries have hampered the Uruguayan’s contributions to the extent his overall appearance record for the campaign stands at just eight.

However, for all Merson’s backing Cavani’s latest issue – a tendon flare – may cause him to miss the weekend’s clash with Chelsea.

When available, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only used the centre-forward reactively rather than proactively. That might change now Old Trafford is under new stewardship.

Rangnick’s picks

The appointment of Ralf Rangnick as United’s interim manager could shift the whole dynamic of the squad.

Michael Carrick is still set to oversee the next fixture while Rangnick’s work permit is processed. Yet the former head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow may have a say in the line-up.

And that could include adding Cavani’s name to the team sheet, permitted he’s fit enough to feature.

And it would be a selection that would certainly please Merson.

Go steady with Edi

“I can’t see anything but a Chelsea win here. They’ll squeeze and dominate the game, and they’ll probably have about 70 per cent of the ball,” the ex-Arsenal midfielder admitted.

“Manchester United will set up with (Cristiano) Ronaldo up front, and he’s not running away from anybody.

“I’ve seen Manchester United come to Stamford Bridge and win comfortably last season.

“They need pace on the wings, and they need a player like Cavani to press Chelsea high up the pitch. As it stands, however, I think Chelsea will break them down comfortably.”

Of course Cavani won’t be doing any running around if his tendon damage is too severe. Therefore, the chasing will be left to Ronaldo… said nobody, ever.

For all his wonderful attributes, tracking back and hunting opponents isn’t the 36-year-old’s strong point.

What he can do still at his great age, though, is find the back of the net. That’s something United will need if they are to have any chance of overcoming Chelsea.