Edinson Cavani storms in to protect Mason Greenwood as his Man United team-mate is confronted by Roma defenders… after helping side book Europa League final date
- Edinson Cavani scored a brace as United secured their Europa League final spot
- United lost 3-2 to Roma on the night but went through 8-5 after two thrilling legs
- Mason Greenwood was confronted by Mancini and Karsdorp during the game
- Cavani steamed in to protect the youngster, showing his leadership in the team
Edinson Cavani was goalscorer turned bodyguard on Thursday, after storming in to defend team-mate Mason Greenwood from a bust-up with Roma defenders.
The Uruguayan struck twice in the Italian capital as Manchester United booked their spot in the Europa League final, despite losing 3-2 on the night.
The 34-year-old has proved many doubters wrong by bagging 14 goals so far this season, and though his future at Old Trafford is uncertain he demonstrated his commitment to the United cause by backing-up a young team-mate.
Edinson Cavani jumped-in to defend his team-mate Mason Greenwood from Roma defenders
The Uruguayan was furious as Rick Karsdorp and Gianluca Mancini confronted Greenwood
At a break in play Greenwood and Gianluca Mancini clashed by the corner flag, bumping into each other as they argued.
Rick Karsdorp waded-in next to shove Greenwood, and Cavani was incensed. The pumped-up scorer charged in to shove the right-back away, and took on Mancini while he was at it.
Greenwood has already admitted he’s been learning from the former PSG star on the training ground, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be delighted with the effect Cavani is having in the camp.
‘Anyone can learn from him – whether it is a young player or an older player,’ Greenwood said.
Cavani was in form on Thursday, scoring a brace to send United to the Europa League final
Greenwood is feeling the full benefit of playing in the same team as an experienced forward
‘He has just come here and set an example, really. I like the things he does so I obviously pick up on the little things he does.
‘I watch him in training and always have an eye on him, to see what movements he does, so I can add it to my game. So it is a big benefit that he is here at the club, I think.
‘You can see the two goals he scored against Southampton (in November) were just unbelievable. It was stuff he has been doing for 10 to 15 years at PSG and at Napoli as well, so he is a good footballer.’
Cavani’s double on Saturday ensured United cruised into the Europa League final, where they will face Villarreal.
