Ralf Rangnick Makes Final Decision on Edinson Cavani Amid January Exit Rumours

• Cavani, who signed for Manchester United in on a free transfer in January 2020, signed a contract extension until the end of the season
• The Uruguay international has however been rumoured to be on the verge of an Old Trafford exit
• Interim boss Ralf Rangnick spoke on Cavani’s situation as he made it clear he wanted the 34-year old to stay

Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is ‘desperate’ to keep Edinson Cavani at least until the end of the season.

Cavani has been heavily tipped with a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window, with Barcelona one of his possible destinations.

Despite only making 10 appearances this season, Cavani has consistently proven to be a gem to United, and this was exhibited once again when he scored to help his side to a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.

Speaking ahead of United’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday Rangnick said he had been speaking to Cavani about his future in recent weeks and would not let go of him easily.

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"We've had quite a few conversations in the last couple of weeks, he's probably the player I have spoken to most," said Rangnick as quoted by Sky.

"I told him from the very first day he's a highly important player, probably the only one that can play as a striker back to goal and as I have said before, his professionalism and work ethic is amazing.

"He knows I definitely would not let him go, for me he is a highly important player for the rest of the season in a squad still playing in three competitions - we definitely need him and it is clear he has to stay."

COVID making Rangnick reluctant to let players leave

With squads being dealt blows by COVID-19, Ralf Rangnick is growing increasingly unwilling to let any superstars leave in January.

This includes the likes of Donny Van de Beek and Anthony Martial.

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On Van de Beek, Rangnick said:

“I still believe we should keep him definitely until the end of the season and help him get as much game time as possible."

Tuchel set to meet Lukaku on Monday

Elsewhere, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will meet Romelu Lukaku on Monday, January 3 to discuss rhe Belgian’s explosive interview that aired last week.

Lukaku was omitted from the squad in Chelsea’s entertaining 2-2 draw against Liverpool, with Tuchel saying he was left with little choice but to snub the 28-year old.