Edinson Cavani has discussed his reduced role at Manchester United this season, following the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cavani has had to settle for a bit-part role across the opening weeks of the new season due to injury, isolation and competition for places, making his first start of the campaign during the 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday.
The Uruguay international scored 17 goals in all competitions last season but now faces increased competition for places from Ronaldo, who has occupied the centre-forward position since making his return to the club from Juventus.
Cavani has discussed his reduced role in the side and says he remains ‘ready’ to make an impact, insisting he is at the club to be a ‘part of it’ as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side seek silverware this season.
“In football, you have to always be ready. It’s one of the keys at the top level,” he told El Observador.
“Sometimes you play more, sometimes you play less, managers make decisions, but that doesn’t stop the work to always be competitive.
“The league has just started and I have needed to be, not quite like last year, but I’m there to be a part of it.”
Cavani was asked what he made of Ronaldo’s return to the club and insisted his stance remains the same, the forward revealing his intent to feature as often as possible for the Red Devils this season.
“Those are things that happen, a lot of debate is created, but football is football and you don’t have to turn it around too much, it’s not because one or the other is there.
“The important thing is to be prepared for when it’s your turn, you always want to play, he wants to be there forever, but that is not going to change my way of thinking or acting.”
Cavani has been linked with an exit in search of more regular first-team football in January, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona linked with a move for the 34-year-old.
He seemed to play down the ‘talk’, however, suggesting it is just media speculation.
“The season is just starting I can’t talk,” he said. “They talk and they will always continue talking, and the press is like that too, they talk and they have to sell.”
