Manchester United have signed former Paris St-Germain striker Edinson Cavani on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old Uruguay international has signed a one-year contract with the option of a further year.
He becomes the club’s third signing on deadline day following the acquisition of Brazilian left back Alex Telles and Ivorian teenager Amad Diallo who is expected to join in January.
Cavani who left PSG in June is the club’s highest goal scorer with 200 goals in 301 appearances and has scored 341 goals in 556 club matches. He also has 50 goals in 116 Uruguay games.
He joins Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side who are 16th in the table, having picked up only three points from their opening three league matches.
The striker could make his debut for the Red Devils against PSG in the Champions League group match on 20 October.
“Manchester United is one of the greatest clubs in the world, so it is a real honour to be here,” said Cavani. “I’ve worked really hard during the time off and I feel eager to compete and represent this incredible club.
“I have played in front of some of the most passionate supporters in football during my career and I know that it will be the same in Manchester. I cannot wait to experience the Old Trafford atmosphere, when it is safe for the fans to return.
“I look forward to continuing to write my little story inside the book of football and I know that’s why my focus has to remain the same as always – work, work, work. I have had a conversation with the manager and this has increased my desire to wear this beautiful shirt.”
United boss Solskjaer said the striker was an “experienced ultimate professional who always gives everything for his team”.
“His goalscoring record for club and country is fantastic and we are delighted to sign a player of his calibre,” he added.
“He’ll bring energy, power, leadership and a great mentality to the squad but, most importantly, he’ll bring goals.
“He has had a brilliant career so far, winning trophies at almost every club he has played for, and he still has so much more to give at the highest level.
“The opportunity for our young players to learn from one of Europe’s top goalscorers over the last 10 years is fantastic and it will really benefit them going forward.”
Cavani’s acquisition further plunges Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo down the pecking order at Old Trafford with the former Watford man due to return to China in January at the end of his loan deal.
Cavani will provide an experienced forward option for United and competition for younger forwards Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
