Mark Hughes urges Manchester United to hand Edinson Cavani new contract

Former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes has urged the Red Devils to tie Edinson Cavani down to a new deal at Old Trafford.

Cavani has not been able to force his way into the starting lineup on a regular basis, but he has proved an important player for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with six goals and two assists in the Premier League this term.

The 33-year-old only penned a one-year deal with an option for a further year when he arrived at the club last summer, and Hughes thinks that Man United should definitely keep Cavani on the books for longer.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the 57-year-old - who scored 163 goals for the Red Devils - said: "He does make a difference to United in my view.

"Prior to him coming to the club, [Marcus] Rashford, [Anthony] Martial and [Mason] Greenwood were all tried through the middle but I never felt any of them really knew the role as you need to know the role – being the main target and the focus of attacks.

"Whereas when Cavani plays you sense that the team has a little bit more focus and direction towards the top end of the pitch. The other guys can now play in a position they favour.

"He's had a big influence, and if it was my decision I'd sign him straight away because I think he's an outstanding player."

Cavani opened the scoring with a header in Man United's 3-3 draw with Everton at the weekend - his second goal in two games after netting in the 9-0 rout of Southampton a few days before.