• SOUTHAMPTON RATINGS: Alex McCarthy - 7: Charged off his line after five minutes and rounded by Greenwood but relieved to see United attacker put ball in side netting. Brilliant double save to deny Greenwood and Fernandes. Important stop from Rashford early in second half. Might be disappointed with positioning for United winner. Getty
    SOUTHAMPTON RATINGS: Alex McCarthy - 7: Charged off his line after five minutes and rounded by Greenwood but relieved to see United attacker put ball in side netting. Brilliant double save to deny Greenwood and Fernandes. Important stop from Rashford early in second half. Might be disappointed with positioning for United winner. Getty
  • Kyle Walker-Peters - 7: An important cog in the Southampton machine, the former Spurs right-back did well but looked shattered by end. PA
    Kyle Walker-Peters - 7: An important cog in the Southampton machine, the former Spurs right-back did well but looked shattered by end. PA
  • Jannik Vestergaard - 6: Seemed to completely lose his bearings while awaiting a call from McCarthy after five minutes and allowed Greenwood in on goal. Recovered and looked solid but was only defender sitting deep to play Cavani onside for his opening goal. PA
    Jannik Vestergaard - 6: Seemed to completely lose his bearings while awaiting a call from McCarthy after five minutes and allowed Greenwood in on goal. Recovered and looked solid but was only defender sitting deep to play Cavani onside for his opening goal. PA
  • Jan Bednarek - 6: Glancing header from Ward-Prowse corner in crowded penalty area to put Saints in front with their first real attempt on goal after 24 minutes. Like fellow centre-back Vestergaard, found Cavani a handful when the Uruguayan came on in second half. Reuters
    Jan Bednarek - 6: Glancing header from Ward-Prowse corner in crowded penalty area to put Saints in front with their first real attempt on goal after 24 minutes. Like fellow centre-back Vestergaard, found Cavani a handful when the Uruguayan came on in second half. Reuters
  • Ryan Bertrand - 7: Dangerous partnership with Djenepo down left but was caught in possession at start of move for United’s first goal. Vital sliding challenge prevented United counter-attacking with a numerical advantage near the end. AP
    Ryan Bertrand - 7: Dangerous partnership with Djenepo down left but was caught in possession at start of move for United’s first goal. Vital sliding challenge prevented United counter-attacking with a numerical advantage near the end. AP
  • Stuart Armstrong - 6: First touch let him down with goal at his mercy after De Gea saved from Djenepo as he fluffed opportunity to make it 3-0 in first half. Never gave United players chance to relax in possession but, like rest of his teammates, looked shattered in last 10 minutes. Getty
    Stuart Armstrong - 6: First touch let him down with goal at his mercy after De Gea saved from Djenepo as he fluffed opportunity to make it 3-0 in first half. Never gave United players chance to relax in possession but, like rest of his teammates, looked shattered in last 10 minutes. Getty
  • Oriol Romeu – 7: Lucky to escape booking for first-half challenge on Fernandes but was relentless in his pressuring of United players. Tired pass intercepted by United in the last 10 minutes gifted chance to United. EPA
    Oriol Romeu – 7: Lucky to escape booking for first-half challenge on Fernandes but was relentless in his pressuring of United players. Tired pass intercepted by United in the last 10 minutes gifted chance to United. EPA
  • James Ward-Prowse - 8: Now officially crowned as new king of the dead ball – appropriate against David Beckham’s old club. It was his whipped in corner that set up Bednarek goal, then hit trademark free-kick past despairing dive of De Gea to make it 2-0. Fabulous technique. AP
    James Ward-Prowse - 8: Now officially crowned as new king of the dead ball – appropriate against David Beckham’s old club. It was his whipped in corner that set up Bednarek goal, then hit trademark free-kick past despairing dive of De Gea to make it 2-0. Fabulous technique. AP
  • Theo Walcott - 6: Quieter game than his recent efforts. Found a bit of space in box just after break but shot comfortably saved by Henderson. Another effort straight at keeper minutes later. AFP
    Theo Walcott - 6: Quieter game than his recent efforts. Found a bit of space in box just after break but shot comfortably saved by Henderson. Another effort straight at keeper minutes later. AFP
  • Moussa Djenepo – 8: A constant danger to United producing some lovely stepovers and change of pace. Brought down on edge of box on one of his runs to hand free-kick chance to Ward-Prowse for second goal. Had low drive from edge of box well saved by De Gea. Ran out of steam in second half. AFP
    Moussa Djenepo – 8: A constant danger to United producing some lovely stepovers and change of pace. Brought down on edge of box on one of his runs to hand free-kick chance to Ward-Prowse for second goal. Had low drive from edge of box well saved by De Gea. Ran out of steam in second half. AFP
  • Che Adams - 7: Beautiful crossfield ball to set Djenepo off on attack just after half hour, left limping before break after being caught on follow through by Fred challenge. Brought high ball down brilliantly after 78 minutes but pulled shot just wide. Good performance up front. AFP
    Che Adams - 7: Beautiful crossfield ball to set Djenepo off on attack just after half hour, left limping before break after being caught on follow through by Fred challenge. Brought high ball down brilliantly after 78 minutes but pulled shot just wide. Good performance up front. AFP
  • SUBS: Shane Long (No live image) - (On for Djenepo 72') 5: Came on with United in the ascendency and no chance to make impact. Getty
    SUBS: Shane Long (No live image) - (On for Djenepo 72') 5: Came on with United in the ascendency and no chance to make impact. Getty
  • Ibrahima Diallo – (On for Armstrong 89’) N/A. Reuters
    Ibrahima Diallo – (On for Armstrong 89’) N/A. Reuters
  • Daniel N'Lundulu – (On for Walker-Peters 90+4) N/A. Reuters
    Daniel N'Lundulu – (On for Walker-Peters 90+4) N/A. Reuters
  • David de Gea - 5: Neither goal reflected well on him, though he wasn’t totally responsible for either. Got his hand to Ward Prowse’s free-kick. Off injured at half-time.
    David de Gea - 5: Neither goal reflected well on him, though he wasn’t totally responsible for either. Got his hand to Ward Prowse’s free-kick. Off injured at half-time.
  • Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 6: Tough time against Djenepo in first half, better in second and floated a ball in for Cavani who nearly equalised in a taste of what was coming. Reuters
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 6: Tough time against Djenepo in first half, better in second and floated a ball in for Cavani who nearly equalised in a taste of what was coming. Reuters
  • Victor Lindelof - 6: Didn’t deserve to be 2-0 down at half time. Five in the first half, seven in the second, but passed accurately in both. Reuters
    Victor Lindelof - 6: Didn’t deserve to be 2-0 down at half time. Five in the first half, seven in the second, but passed accurately in both. Reuters
  • Harry Maguire - 6: Said United had given away two soft goals and wasn’t wrong. Side he captained lost shape in first half but showed immense character against a team who’d drawn four of their last five games against United.. Reuters
    Harry Maguire - 6: Said United had given away two soft goals and wasn’t wrong. Side he captained lost shape in first half but showed immense character against a team who’d drawn four of their last five games against United.. Reuters
  • Alex Telles - 7: First Premier League away game. Good going forward and, unlike his teammates, with corners. Most involved and best defender for second successive game. Getty
    Alex Telles - 7: First Premier League away game. Good going forward and, unlike his teammates, with corners. Most involved and best defender for second successive game. Getty
  • Fred - 7: Gave away free-kick in dangerous position which led to second. Teed-up Fernandes to shoot which led to goal and, like his team, improved in the second and got right forward. More touches than any other player. AP
    Fred - 7: Gave away free-kick in dangerous position which led to second. Teed-up Fernandes to shoot which led to goal and, like his team, improved in the second and got right forward. More touches than any other player. AP
  • Nemanja Matic - 7: Started well, faded as Southampton struck twice, then solid in second half. Getty
    Nemanja Matic - 7: Started well, faded as Southampton struck twice, then solid in second half. Getty
  • Donny van de Beek - 7: Not quite as bright in the diamond as he had been versus Istanbul, but impressive combining with Fernandes in his first away league start against a very decent opponent. PA
    Donny van de Beek - 7: Not quite as bright in the diamond as he had been versus Istanbul, but impressive combining with Fernandes in his first away league start against a very decent opponent. PA
  • Bruno Fernandes - 8: Clattered by Romeu, then shot wide as United started well. Beaten by Djenepo after United fell behind. Rightly disappointed after 30th minute effort when should’ve scored. Struck a dreadful corner but scored a minute later. Set up Cavani for 2-2. A goal and assist machine and at the heart of United’s creativity. Reuters
    Bruno Fernandes - 8: Clattered by Romeu, then shot wide as United started well. Beaten by Djenepo after United fell behind. Rightly disappointed after 30th minute effort when should’ve scored. Struck a dreadful corner but scored a minute later. Set up Cavani for 2-2. A goal and assist machine and at the heart of United’s creativity. Reuters
  • Marcus Rashford - 6: Switched with Greenwood in a front two. Unable to stop Bednarek for first goal. Still far from his best but superb cross for Cavani’s winner on a day when he was more effective in build-ups. Reuters
    Marcus Rashford - 6: Switched with Greenwood in a front two. Unable to stop Bednarek for first goal. Still far from his best but superb cross for Cavani’s winner on a day when he was more effective in build-ups. Reuters
  • Mason Greenwood - 5: Sharp start and shot wide from tight angle when should have scored. Played more on right and struggled into a two up front as barely touch ball. Hooked at half-time. AFP
    Mason Greenwood - 5: Sharp start and shot wide from tight angle when should have scored. Played more on right and struggled into a two up front as barely touch ball. Hooked at half-time. AFP
  • SUBS: Edinson Cavani - (On for Greenwood 46') 9: Took time to lace his boots, started brightly, shot over and then smartly picked out Fernandes for United’s first before heading the equaliser and he wasn’t finished. Full of energy, movement, anticipation and presence. PA
    SUBS: Edinson Cavani - (On for Greenwood 46') 9: Took time to lace his boots, started brightly, shot over and then smartly picked out Fernandes for United’s first before heading the equaliser and he wasn’t finished. Full of energy, movement, anticipation and presence. PA
  • Dean Henderson - (On for De Gea 46') 7: Did well, though he wasn’t required as much as De Gea. reuters
    Dean Henderson - (On for De Gea 46') 7: Did well, though he wasn’t required as much as De Gea. reuters
  • Brandon Williams - (On for Telles 84') N/A. Getty
    Brandon Williams - (On for Telles 84') N/A. Getty

Football

Edinson Cavani will be energised by facing PSG, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United manager backs player despite the distraction of an English FA investigation into a social media post by the Uruguayan

AFP

December 01, 2020

  • English
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Edinson Cavani will be ready to face his old club Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday despite the distraction of an English Football Association investigation into a social media post by the Uruguayan.

Cavani's joy at coming off the bench to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 Premier League win at Southampton on Sunday with two goals and an assist was tempered as after the match he thanked a friend for his congratulations on Instagram using the Spanish term "negrito" (small black person).

Despite the affectionate context, Cavani could still fall foul of the FA's minimum three-match ban for offensive comments on social media.

"He's deeply sorry for the mistake he's made. There was no malicious intent at all, it was just an affectionate greeting to a friend of us and we explained to him," said Solskjaer at Tuesday's pre-match press conference.

"We'll support him, it's one of those unfortunate situations, he's just come into the country and in Uruguay it is used with a different affection to what we have.

"We'll support him but of course we support the FA. It's important the FA ask him to explain and it's out there for everyone to see because we want to be in the fight against discrimination with everyone."

Cavani is PSG's all-time top goalscorer after scoring 200 times in seven seasons in the French capital.

But he was let go when his contract expired in June, not even hanging around for PSG's run to a first Champions League final in August.

After taking time to find his feet in Manchester, Cavani's impact at the weekend has put him in line to start up front in a huge game against his former club.

PSG trail United by three points at the top of Group H and face an embarrassing early exit if they lose at Old Trafford.

____________________________

PSG 1-2 Manchester United

  • Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring the winner against Paris Saint Germain. Reuters
    Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring the winner against Paris Saint Germain. Reuters
  • Marcus Rashford celebrates the winner. Reuters
    Marcus Rashford celebrates the winner. Reuters
  • Bruno Fernandes scores from a penalty. PA
    Bruno Fernandes scores from a penalty. PA
  • Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates his goal. PA
    Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates his goal. PA
  • Bruno Fernandes (R) celebrates with teammate Alex Telles after scoring the first goal from a penalty. EPA
    Bruno Fernandes (R) celebrates with teammate Alex Telles after scoring the first goal from a penalty. EPA
  • Manchester United's Anthony Martial scores an own goal and the first for Paris St Germain. Reuters
    Manchester United's Anthony Martial scores an own goal and the first for Paris St Germain. Reuters
  • Paris St Germain players celebrate after Manchester United's Anthony Martial scored an own goal. Reuters
    Paris St Germain players celebrate after Manchester United's Anthony Martial scored an own goal. Reuters
  • Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shakes hands with Victor Lindelof at the end of the match. PA
    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shakes hands with Victor Lindelof at the end of the match. PA
  • Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar at the final whistle. AFP
    Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar at the final whistle. AFP
  • Kylian Mbappe and Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe battle for the ball. PA
    Kylian Mbappe and Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe battle for the ball. PA
  • Neymar had a frustrating night. Reuters
    Neymar had a frustrating night. Reuters
  • Kylian Mbappe shakes hands with Manchester United's French forward Anthony Martial. AFP
    Kylian Mbappe shakes hands with Manchester United's French forward Anthony Martial. AFP
  • Marcus Rashford celebrates his late goal. AFP
    Marcus Rashford celebrates his late goal. AFP

____________________________

"He's ready to play, it's special for him to play against PSG, his own club where he's the top scorer," added Solskjaer.

"That'll affect him mentally, but from knowing him, that will give him energy and he'll be ready. He's so professional, experienced he'll work on his mindset today to be ready for the game.

"The same goes to for the FA [investigation], he's learnt a lesson, it might affect him but he'll just have to put it to one side when the game is on. The best players can put their problems or other thoughts away for a while then perform when he has to."

Solskjaer confirmed that David de Gea will be fit to start in goal after coming off at half time against Southampton.

Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba are also in contention to return, but Pogba may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Without the French World Cup winner in the starting line-up, Donny Van de Beek has finally managed to get a run in Solskjaer's side as United have won four consecutive games to climb back into contention for the Premier League title.

Van de Beek spent most of his first few months in Manchester on the bench, but the £40 million ($53 million) signing from Ajax always believed he just had to be patient.

"I know I can give the team something extra and I can help the team a lot, so I was just patient," said the Dutch international.