Gary Neville explains how Solskjaer, Ferguson messed up over Cristiano Ronaldo call with massive Man Utd impact

The Uruguay striker is leaving Old Trafford this summer as a free agent following almost two full seasons. He arrived in October 2020 as something of a panic buy amid United’s need for attacking reinforcements.

Cavani’s strong end-of-season form in 2020/21 led the Red Devils to the Europa League final and helped ensure a second-placed Premier League finish.

This term, though, he struggled for minutes, partly through injury but partly other factors too. Indeed, reports earlier this week revealed how Cavani’s situation turned around last summer.

He had been excited to lead the line at Man Utd, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to make a shock return to Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjar and Sir Alex Ferguson convinced Ronaldo to snub Manchester City. United then demanded that Cavani hand over his No. 7 shirt to Ronaldo.

Cavani subsequently became frustrated and wanted to leave. However, United supposedly told him to stay and fight for his place, which did not work out as planned.

Speaking on The Overlap about the revelations, Neville slammed his former club for their decision.

“I think at the start of the season, he [Ronaldo] created a problem straightaway with Cavani,” the pundit said.

“[He was] being pleaded to stay and lead the attack for the year, but when they signed Ronaldo, Cavani was shot then and finished.”

Neville added that Ronaldo’s Man Utd return “upset the dynamic in the dressing room” for Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire.

Portugal midfielder Fernandes scored 28 goals in 2020/21, but dropped off this season. Club captain Maguire, meanwhile, endured a shaky campaign at centre-back.

“I think Bruno looks up to him [Ronaldo] like a godfather in Portugal so it made him feel a bit inferior to what he was before,” Neville