Edinson Cavani set to leave Manchester United following disappointing final season

Manchester United fans adapted ABBA's '70s hit, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!' to serenade their new goal-scoring forward last season.

"Give it, give it, give it to Edi Cavani, pass him the ball and watch him score all the goals," was often heard at Old Trafford.

The signing of Cavani on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain was dubious. There were doubts over whether the 35-year-old could remain dangerous in the Premier League in the autumn of his career but those fears were soon squashed by the player.

The Uruguayan's brace against Southampton and his audacious lofted chip against Fulham were the highlights from a brilliant first season at United in which he scored 17 goals in all. Cavani was the natural centre-forward that United desperately needed. His movement was world-class and his finishing sublime. It was enough to ignore his poor injury record that was quietly building.

Cavani agreed to sign a contract extension in the summer and that was good news for everybody connected with United. Cavani would continue to provide United with a unique attacking option at centre-forward, he'd continue to be approachable on the training ground and United's youngsters would continue to benefit from shadowing him every day. The extension ticked all boxes.

While it made perfect sense, Cavani's second season at United is becoming quite the disappointment. It would be unfair to judge Cavani by unrealistic expectations - his role at the club is specific and suitable for a player of his age - but his apparent inability to be regularly available for selection has become frustrating. It's gradually chipping away at the good credit he built last season.

Cavani started against Burnley in midweek and played 70 minutes. He was with the United