Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Edinson Cavani started on the bench against Burnley at his request.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker watched on as Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford struggled to break down the Clarets' defence in the first 45, and he was introduced for the second period at Old Trafford.
Greenwood ultimately bagged a brace before Cavani netted an injury-time third for Man United in a 3-1 win, but Solskjaer's decision to leave the Uruguay international out of his starting XI raised eyebrows before kickoff.
However, in quotes attributed to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils boss has affirmed that it was a joint decision between player and coach, saying: "We've got to manage him well.
"He's not played or started three games in a week for a long time, so when I spoke to him he felt being a sub was the best thing. With Marcus, it's a long time since I've asked him how you are and he's said good."
Cavani's tap-in at Old Trafford took him up to 10 goals for the season in all competitions, although his future beyond the end of the 2020-21 campaign is still unclear.
Ben Knapton
