Manchester United handed Cavani boost after Rangnick meeting

The Uruguayan has struggled for regular game time this season and has been linked with a January exit.

Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani has told interim boss Ralf Rangnick he will stay at Old Trafford until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old is in the final six months of his Red Devils contract. While he can leave for free in the summer, reports had linked him with a January move to Barcelona and even a return to South America.

However, Rangnick has now confirmed that Cavani has no intention of leaving Old Trafford before the end of the campaign.

‘Cavani told me he will definitely stay’

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa, the German said: “I had a conversation with him [Cavani on Thursday].

“He came into my office and we spoke for almost half an hour and he told me he will definitely stay and would want to stay until the end of the season.

“Not only because I told him that he should stay or has to stay, he did it on his own behalf and he told me that I can rely on him to stay until the end of the season and give his very best and be a role model for the young players.

“If he should play from the start, 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 and for me this is good news.”

Cavani has only made four Premier League starts this season, although part of the reason why has been down to tendon issues.

The Uruguay international could return to action on Monday for United’s third-round FA Cup tie with Aston Villa at home.