Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United have spoken to Edinson Cavani about his conduct and that they will continue to support him over his racism controversy on social media.
The Uruguayan forward posted a racial slur to one of his friends after his two-goal heroics in the win over Southampton on Sunday, using the word ‘negrito’ on Instagram.
Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League group fixture against PSG: “There was no malicious intent at all, just an affectionate greeting to a friend of his. But we explained to him, he’s been asked by the FA and of course he’ll cooperate with them, and we’ll support him.”
The Manchester United boss welcomes the action taken by the FA and believes foreign players need more guidance, education on the culture and history of the country they are playing in. He said: “It’s important the FA have asked him to explain and it’s out there for everyone to see because we want to be in the fight against discrimination with everyone.”
Solskjaer also added: “It’s one of those unfortunate situations where he’s just come into the country. I saw Gary (Neville) said something on all players coming from different cultures should be educated, and Edinson has learned the hard way.”
Upon Cavani’s reunion with his old club, PSG, Solskjaer stated that the striker ‘will be ready to play’. He said: “Edinson is ready to play. Of course, its special for him to play against PSG, his old club where he’s the top scorer, so that’ll affect him mentally.”
Manchester United only need one point from their remaining two group matches to progress to the knockout stages of Champions League. Doing so would mean reaching this stage for the third time in four seasons.
