‘Man Utd can’t afford to let Cavani go to Chelsea’ – Red Devils have to spend what is required, says Fletcher

Manchester United “cannot afford to let Edinson Cavani go to Chelsea”, says Darren Fletcher, with the Red Devils also urged to pay whatever it takes to get a deal for Bruno Fernandes over the line.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to get any additions on board during the January transfer window.

That is considered to be hindering his efforts, with more holes being picked in the Red Devils squad on the back of a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Burnley.

United have been linked with plenty of players, but getting agreements pushed through is proving difficult as asking prices get forced up by reluctant sellers.

Fletcher concedes that Portugal international midfielder Fernandes may end up costing a little more than the Red Devils had been hoping to pay.

The Scot is, however, of the opinion that an underperforming side are now in a “needs must” situation.

With that in mind, United have also been advised to consider joining the race for Paris Saint-Germain striker Cavani, with there no way that a side that has lost Marcus Rashford to injury can allow a proven performer to link up with a Premier League rival if a move to England is made.

Former Red Devils midfielder Fletcher told Radio 5 Live on the recruitment struggles being endured at Old Trafford: “It’s a road they didn’t want to go down because they’ve been down it before but it may be needs must at this time.

“Probably a striker as well – Bruno Fernandes and a striker.

“If Cavani is available, and there’s talk of him going to Chelsea, Manchester United cannot afford to let Cavani go to Chelsea.

“I’m not sure if he is, whether it’s Atletico Madrid, but if it’s Chelsea then there’s no way Manchester United can let that happen. They have to make sure he comes to Old Trafford.

“Haggling over whatever the Bruno Fernandes deal is might mean us paying a little bit more.

“Sporting will see the desperation from Manchester United and that will put them in a more powerful position to keep hold of the player and get exactly what they want.”

The Fernandes saga has become an unwelcome distraction for United, as a move has now been mooted for some time, while Cavani may slip out of their reach as it is understood that the Uruguayan is favouring a switch to La Liga giants Atletico.