Edinson Cavani was the heroic goalscorer turned bodyguard on Thursday, storming in to defend young team-mate Mason Greenwood from a physical rumble with stockier Roma defenders.
The classy Uruguayan struck twice in the Italian capital as Manchester Ubited booked their spot in the Europa League final, despite losing 3-2 on the return leg.
34-year-old Cavani has proved many skeptics wrong by bagging 14 goals so far this season despite his future at Old Trafford being uncertain, yet he demonstrated his commitment to the United cause by fully backing-up a young team-mate when the need arose, during a break in play when Greenwood and Gianluca Mancini clashed by the corner flag, bumping into each other as they argued.
Rick Karsdorp then waded in next to shove Greenwood, which incensed Cavani. Pumped-up and seeing red instantly, the scorer charged in to shove the right-back away almost instantly, also taking on Mancini while he was at it.
Greenwood readily admits he’s been learning from the former PSG stalwart on the training ground, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be delighted with the positive effect Cavani is having in the camp on his teammates.
“Anyone can learn from him – whether it is a young player or an older player,’” Greenwood said.
“He has just come here and set an example, really. I like the things he does so I obviously pick up on the little things he does.
“I watch him in training and always have an eye on him, to see what movements he does, so I can add it to my game. So it is a big benefit that he is here at the club, I think.
“You can see the two goals he scored against Southampton (in November) were just unbelievable. It was stuff he has been doing for 10 to 15 years at PSG and at Napoli as well, so he is a good footballer.”
Cavani’s double on Saturday ensured United cruised into the Europa League final, where they will face Villarreal.