In the match between Manchester United and Villarreal, the Red Devils dominated possession but didn't create too many scoring opportunities, with the only goal scored by Cavani's excellent sniffing in front of goal. Rashford's long-distance shot from outside the penalty area was deflected, and the Uruguayan striker reacted quickly to make up for the empty net, allowing United, who were 0-1 down, to equalize.
It was Cavani's ninth goal in his last 10 games, especially in the UEFA Cup, where he scored four goals and assisted twice in the semifinals, and was the top scorer in United's 8-5 elimination of Roma. And the goal in the final puts him level, making him the 3rd veteran in history aged 34 or over to break through in a European final.
In the past, only 36-year-old McAllister, who broke through for Liverpool in the Europa League in the 2000/01 season, and 34-year-old Beast Drogba, who scored in the Champions League final in the 2011/12 season, have ever achieved this feat. In the final moments of the Premier League and UEFA Cup, Cavani overtook Bruno Fernandes as United's number one leg to carry the Red Devils forward, and was able to get a pay rise to £250,000 for a one-year extension.
Cavani was not only able to score goals in the game, but also had a great fighting spirit. When teammate McTominay went down in front of the penalty area and the opposing team continued to attack, the Uruguayan striker once again became the protagonist who stood up to protect his teammates and received a yellow as a result. In the penalty shootout, Cavani also hit the ball with ease, and after the goal, he also inspired De Gea, and although he did not help United win, he has undoubtedly become one of the leaders on the field.
It's worth noting that Cavani, who is so aggressive, was once scolded by United manager Solskjaer in the first half. The first goal United conceded was a foul by Cavani, but you can't blame him for that, as the midfielder fouled an area that wasn't a fatal mistake.
But at 0-1 down, Solskjaer was clearly impatient on the sidelines, pointing and shouting curses when United got an out-of-bounds kick, and judging by the shape of his mouth, the last line was the British national curse Fuck off (滚蛋). Cavani, who was on the front line at the time, also seemed to be upset as he waved his arm and cursed back.
And after Cavani's breakthrough, Solskjaer's expression was very peculiar, instead of celebrating, he made a face, making it impossible to understand the deep meaning behind it.
According to data site WhoScored's post-match ratings, Cavani and McTominay were two of the best performers in the United side, and although United are not in the running for the title, they, especially Cardazzo, have asked for it.
Cavani, along with teammates Bruno Fernandez, Mata and Martial, dined with legendary manager Alex Ferguson before this match.
Unfortunately, United didn't end up winning the title in front of the Old Master, with Cavani losing out to Emery, his former boss at Paris Saint-Germain.
