Transfer Centre

Merson claims Edinson Cavani signing will be bad news for Mason Greenwood

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 05 October 2020

Former Arsenal man Paul Merson believes that Edinson Cavani's transfer to Manchester United spells trouble for Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford.

Former Arsenal man Paul Merson believes that Edinson Cavani's arrival at Manchester United spells trouble for Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford.

Cavani has joined the Red Devils as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season, where he amassed a total of 200 goals in 301 games for the Ligue 1 champions.

Following the 33-year-old's arrival on the red side of Manchester, Merson has questioned whether Cavani signing for the club could potentially disrupt Greenwood's development at Old Trafford.

"This is all for now. There is no future in it," Merson told Sky Sports News.

"Cavani is 33 years of age. You've got Mason Greenwood there, who is going to be a proper player. Is this going to hold him back?

"Cavani was a great player. He was top, top drawer. But how many players are playing in the Premier League at 33 years of age?

"You've got to have pace. Man Utd play in a certain way, they try to counter attack with the pace of (Anthony) Martial, Greenwood, (Marcus) Rashford, even (Daniel) James when he is in the team.

"He was a great player, I hope I'm wrong and he comes in and does the business but it's not a future signing, is it?"

United also secured the signature of Alex Telles and have agreed a deal for the future transfer of Atalanta's Amad Traore on a busy deadline day for the Red Devils.