Ralf Rangnick explains why Edinson Cavani misses Manchester United v Southampton

Ralf Rangnick has confirmed Edinson Cavani will miss Saturday’s Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton due to ‘groin problems’.

The No.21, who started in the midweek draw with Burnley, is the only change to the team that plays against the Saints.

Speaking to MUTV before the game, Rangnick said: “I decided to start with Cristiano today in the home game. Edi, unfortunately, had to pull out after training last night.

“It was some groin problems. He had treatment the whole night and the whole morning but, in the end, he just said he’s not available.”

It continues a disappointing record for Cavani this season and the striker has started just six league games all season, while he’s netted only twice in all competitions.

Rangnick controversially allowed the former Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain man to sit out the FA Cup fixture with Middlesbrough, which United lost on penalties.

Cavani’s absence also comes after Rangnick confirmed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that they will be looking for a new option up front in the summer transfer market.

Meanwhile, journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Saturday to say Cavani will definitely leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

“Edinson Cavani is expected to leave Man United in June as free agent - his priority will be to try an experience in La Liga,” Romano claimed. “Spain could be his next destination, but Cavani will only decide in the coming months. River Plate not even an option for Cavani's future.”