Edinson Cavani is yet another Manchester United example of poor transfer planning

Manchester United must be the biggest club in the history of football to end a season with their only recognised centre-forwards aged 35 and 37. Those two players in the winter of their careers are obviously Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo has looked exempt from the effects of ageing throughout his career but this season has confirmed he's mortal. Ronaldo endured his longest goal drought for more than a decade during the festive period and he finally looked his age. Ronaldo has still enjoyed a strong season on a personal note despite that barren stretch. Ronaldo's 18 goal haul from 33 games is more than respectable.

Ronaldo's dramatic return to Old Trafford in the summer — that was sparked by Manchester City's interest — meant Cavani was set for a reduced role. United were consistently better with Cavani on the pitch last season and it seemed he would make an excellent option from off the bench. That hasn't happened and Ronaldo has been left to shoulder the burden of scoring on his own instead.

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Ronaldo has been left vulnerable by United's poor planning. The news of Cavani's contract extension last year was warmly welcomed by most, however, with the benefit of hindsight, the last chapter of his United story should have been written last season. The club were more than aware of his problems with injury, with Cavani sidelined for 12 games with different issues last term.

Cavani had been in electric form prior to signing his contract extension in May — he scored eight goals in seven appearances — and perhaps that clouded judgement. You can't blame United for being drawn in by those performances, but there should have been a