Manchester United signed ‘genius goal scorer’ in Edinson Cavani, who Zlatan Ibrahimovic said makes it easier to play with

Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles completed deadline-day moves to Manchester United, who also secured a deal for teenage winger Amad Diallo to join the Premier League club in January.

United’s apparent reluctance to meet Borussia Dortmund’s £108m price tag for Jadon Sancho has seemingly led them to snap up Uruguay striker Cavani on a free transfer following his release by Paris-Saint Germain earlier in the summer.

Edinson Cavani is a Manchester United playerAFP - Getty

The 33-year-old, who has signed a 12-month deal with the option to extend for a further year, has scored 341 goals in 556 matches since moving to Europe in 2007 for Palermo, Napoli and PSG, where he won six league titles.

Cavani is the most prolific striker in PSG history with 200 goals and one of his first games could be against his former employers after United were drawn in the same Champions League group as the French giants.

Since Cavani made his Palermo debut in March 2007, only Lionel Messi (420) and Cristiano Ronaldo (398) have scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues than the Uruguayan (248).

He said on United’s website: “Manchester United is one of the greatest clubs in the world, so it is a real honour to be here. I’ve worked really hard during the time off and I feel eager to compete and represent this incredible club.

“I look forward to continuing to write my little story inside the book of football and I know that’s why my focus has to remain the same as always – work, work, work. I have had a conversation with the manager and this has increased my desire to wear this beautiful shirt.”

Cavani, who is expected to wear the iconic no.7 shirt at Old Trafford, has played alongside some of the best strikers in the world and worked under some of the best managers in the game.

Despite criticism about the move from some quarters, there is no reason why the veteran striker cannot have an impact like Henrik Larsson at Old Trafford in 2007 and impart some much needed nous and experience onto United’s youthful attack.

Check out what some of the best in the world have said about Cavani and his ability.

Frank Lampard felt the full force of Cavani’s work rate in the Champions LeagueGetty Images - Getty

Ryan Giggs, Wales boss

“It goes without saying he’s a world star. My second game [as Wales manager] was against Uruguay and Cavani scored and I was really impressed with his work rate and quality.

“It’s about how quickly he beds in. We have seen South Americans who haven’t really come and done it like [Radamel] Falcao, [Angel] Di Maria and [Alexis] Sanchez, but Cavani, with his work rate, you expect him to make it.”

Frank Lampard, Chelsea manager

“He’s a great player; I played against him and always loved his mentality and attitude, and his scoring record speaks for itself.”

Ibrahimovic benefited from playing alongside the Uruguay internationalGetty Images - Getty

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former PSG strike partner (speaking in 2013)

“Having Cavani makes my game easier. We help each other. If I do not score, he’s scoring.

“This is something we did not have last year. He also does a lot of defensive work and that is good for the team. This is what we needed.

“We’re stronger this year. If we continue using Cavani the right way, it can be good for the team.”

Marquinhos knew goals would go in at the other end as long as he kept them outGetty Images - Getty

Marquinhos, current PSG captain

“Edi was already one of our strongest players, but the number of goals he has scored this season is just unbelievable.

“He works hard for the team, is always very positive and gives everything for his team-mates, which is very important.

“He has scored some fantastic goals like the one against Bordeaux that was like [Rabah] Madjer or the lob versus Nancy.

“And there is his own special, where he gets to the near post for a finish. He is a genius as a goalscorer.”

Cavani is a predator for club and countryGetty Images - Getty

Oscar Tabarez, former Uruguay manager speaking in 2019 after his goal beat Chile in the Copa America

“That’s the way Cavani is. He made a few mistakes, but he never gave up. He did three different roles during the match, but he never lost his main feature. He is a goalscorer.

“It was a good cross, but the ball did not have a lot of pace on it and he had to steer it with the right force.

“Not just anyone can do it, only the scoring experts. I think he’s one of those.”