Manchester United star Edinson Cavani was ‘put out’ when asked to give the club’s No 7 shirt to Jadon Sancho, according to reports. The Uruguay international previously took the jersey upon signing on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. And though he was happy to give it up for Cristiano Ronaldo, it was a different story when it came to Sancho.
United signed Cavani in 2020 after missing out on Sancho, with Borussia Dortmund pricing them out of a deal for the 21-year-old.
And the Uruguay international didn’t disappoint with the iconic jersey, netting 17 times across all competitions as the club finished second in the Premier League table.
However, United were then able to sign Sancho this year - paying £73million to bring the England international back to his homeland.
And The Athletic say that when Cavani was asked about giving up the No 7 to his fellow forward, he was ‘put out’.
United supposedly promised Sancho the No 7 shirt last year, during negotiations.
Manchester United star Edinson Cavani was unhappy at Jadon Sancho shirt number request (Image: GETTY)
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But Cavani was unwilling to give up the number to a player 13 years his junior, especially after being persuaded to stay put.
The Uruguay international had originally planned to return to South America, with Boca Juniors thought to be his top destination.
And Sancho was left with no choice but to take the No 25 instead.
It’s claimed the former Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Watford star was ‘slightly confused by the whole chain of events’.
And that, perhaps, has contributed to some of his struggles at the club so far.
Sancho is yet to score or register an assist for United this term, with the youngster frequently finding himself on the fringes of the actions in recent weeks.
And whether he can respond by rediscovering his best form, and forcing his way into Solskjaer’s team, is something only time will tell.
Gabriel Agbonlahor has expressed concerns for Sancho this term, saying: “That formation doing well against Spurs was the last thing Jadon Sancho wanted to see.
“He doesn’t play anywhere in that formation.
“The only people that will end up coming in is Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood who will be rotated with Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo as the two strikers.
“The wing-backs will stay the same.
“In midfield, you could maybe rest Bruno Fernandes and bring in Jesse Lingard. Nemanja Matic may come in for Scott McTominay or Fred.