Edinson Cavani set to start for Man Utd against PSG despite FA investigation

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stated that the Uruguayan player has 'learned his lesson' after pubishing a racially insensitive post on Instagram on Sunday.

The spotlight was no doubt going to be on Edinson Cavani in Manchester United's match against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.

After all, the striker spent seven years at the Parc des Princes prior to parting company with the French champions toward the end of last season.

Nonetheless, following his Instagram post of Sunday, the focus on Cavani has only increased ahead of the visit of his former club.

The Uruguayan player had posted a message on the social media site that led to an investigation from the Football Association because of the reportedly discriminatory nature of the language used.

Cavani has officially apologized for causing offence and will cooperate in full with the FA, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer supporting the organisation’s inquiry.

Nevertheless, the United boss has no doubts over Cavani's current state of mind ahead of a match that the Red Devils only need a draw from to secure a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.

“Edinson is ready to play," Solskjaer remarked in his pre-match press conference.

"Of course, it’s special for him to play against PSG, in which he is the top scorer. Knowing him, I think that will give him more energy and he will surely be ready.”

“The same goes for the FA (investigation). He’s learned a lesson. It might affect him but he’ll have to put it to one side when the game’s on and the best players can put problems or the other thoughts away for a while and perform when they have to."

The Instagram post, which could land Cavani a ban, will obviously have no impact on Solskjaer’s team selection and the Norwegian will definitely be very tempted to start the striker, given the outstanding nature of his performance off the bench at St Mary’s on Sunday.

Two goals and one assist was quite the impact from a player many were somewhat skeptical about United signing. Of course, several good performances isn’t reason enough for the fans to start getting carried away but Cavani undeniably brings a focal point to the team’s attack force that has been lacking ever since Romelu Lukaku was transferred to Inter some 18 months ago.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have all successfully proven their worth since the Belgian left at the beginning of last season yet there have been times when the team has lacked the killer instinct only a true number nine has in his locker.

Edinson Cavani's predatory finishing was very much in evidence at Southampton. However, it was his agile movement during his first start against Istanbul Basaksehir that really showcased what he offers to United.

He didn’t get on the scoresheet in the 4-1 victory at Old Trafford last week yet he caused the Turkish side's defenders all kinds of problems with his running on and off the ball, which subsequently created opportunities for his team-mates.

PSG won't really need to do a great deal of homework on Cavani. Thomas Tuchel and his players do know the striker inside out. They're well aware of the threat he presents to their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Only one point will be enough to send United through to the knockout round whereas three would secure top spot with a game to spare, something many thought would be impossible when the group stage draw occured in September.

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