Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opened up on the future of Edinson Cavani and admits he is doing his ‘best’ to persuade the Manchester United forward to extend his deal.

Cavani signed for the club on a free transfer last summer and has made a positive impact during his debut season in English football, with the forward excellent as United thrashed Roma 6-2 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday.

The 34-year-old scored twice and provided a further two assists as the Red Devils took a huge step towards the final, taking his tally to 12 goals for the season across all competitions.

Cavani’s future remains uncertain beyond the end of the campaign however, amid speculation of the forward’s desire to return to his native South America and interest from Boca Juniors.

The Uruguay international has an option to walk away from the club at the end of the season, though Solskjaer has revealed he is doing all he can to persuade Cavani to extend his contract.

“He knows my feelings,” said Solskjaer in his post-match interview. “He knows I would love to have him here.

“Edinson is more than just a goal poacher. He is excellent at running the channels, being the focal point and bringing others into play.

“He is making up for lost time and I am delighted with him. Hopefully we will see him here for another year. I am doing my best. I promised him Old Trafford is a different place with fans.

“He must try to get that feeling, to be on our side. Manchester is a fantastic place to live. Of course nights like this, hopefully we can get to the final and hopefully he can see himself being here for another year.”

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