An explanation for Edinson Cavani missing Manchester United’s meeting with Southampton has been forthcoming on Saturday.
Manchester United would release their starting line-up an hour before kick-off.
It was the exact same XI that drew with Burnley apart from Cristiano Ronaldo coming in to replace Edinson Cavani:
Bring on United! #MUFC | #MUNSOU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 12, 2022
Cavani did not even find himself with a place on the bench, with youngster Hannibal Mejbri taking his spot.
An explanation for Cavani’s absence has since been provided, though, with the veteran forward out due to a groin injury:
Cavani not involved today because of a groin injury.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) February 12, 2022
Manchester United vs Southampton
Manchester United head into their meeting with Southampton sitting 6th in the Premier League table after winning just two of their last five league games.
However, the Reds could climb above 4th placed West Ham by winning their game in hand. But, in the same vein, 5th placed Arsenal and 7th placed Tottenham also boast games in hand on the Red Devils right now, suggesting that the race for the top-four is set to come down to the wire.
And if United hope to stand any chance of securing the final Champions League berth, they will need to string together a decent run of form, starting against 10th placed Southampton.
This may be easier said than done, however, as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have a solid record against the Premier League’s top sides this season, drawing with Manchester City last month and beating Tottenham in their most recent outing.
