Man United news: Cristiano Ronaldo is making things ‘really difficult’ for Edinson Cavani – expert
Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence is making it “really difficult” for Edinson Cavani to build his baseline fitness and avoid injuries at Man United.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Cavani has picked up a groin strain and was not available for United’s clash against Southampton last Saturday (12 February).
Ralf Rangnick told United club media yesterday (14 February) that “I think he is old enough to know if his body is ready in order to play or not.”
The Uruguayan turned 35 yesterday and his latest setback is his fifth spell on the sidelines this season.
Ronaldo, 37, re-signed from Juventus in the summer.
And Dinnery claimed that the legendary Portuguese striker’s arrival has made it difficult for Cavani to play himself into fitness.
“We know Cavani is in tip-top physical condition,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams,
“He takes his fitness really seriously. You have to look after yourself when you’re in those twilight years of your career.
“There are other factors that come into play. It’s been a very stop-start season for Cavani.
“Pre-seasons is a cornerstone. It forms the building blocks for players to go through a campaign and protect themselves.
“Cavani didn’t quite get those minutes under his belt hat he wanted. That has impacted his return.
“He had a tendon problem which limited his opportunities at the start, and then he’s been off on international duty.
“It seems like he’s always playing catch-up. Because he’s not a guaranteed starter, it’s difficult to get up to match speed.
“Maybe you need a four or five-game period where you can adjust and play yourself in.
“But it is going to be really difficult to get that with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo breathing down your neck.”
Cavani has registered two goals and one assist in 15 appearances this term.
Ronaldo meanwhile has found the back of the 14 times and supplied three assists in 27 outings.
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