Cavani set Manchester United on course for a comfortable victory against Granada as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side reached the Europa League semi-finals for the second successive season.
Marcus Rashford’s fine goal and a late Bruno Fernandes penalty in Spain last week put the Red Devils in control of the quarter-final tie heading into Thursday’s reverse fixture at an empty Old Trafford.
United extinguished any hope of a remarkable Granada turnaround when veteran Cavani volleyed home in the sixth minute, with Jesus Vallejo’s late own goal wrapping up a 2-0 win on the night, 4-0 on aggregate.
The reward is a mouth-watering semi-final clash against AS Roma and a reunion with Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – starters when United won the Europa League in 2017.
United look odds-on to finish second in the Premier League, and while automatic Champions League qualification would have been a key remit for Solskjaer this season, the Europa League represents the perfect opportunity to win his first trophy as United manager.
Job done for United. Granada were spirited and had chances, but lacked the quality to really trouble the Red Devils.
Be the first to comment