Paul Scholes backs Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to bench Edinson Cavani ahead of Anthony Martial for Manchester United

Edinson Cavani came on as a substitute in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City (Getty)

Paul Scholes has supported Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to bench Edinson Cavani ahead of Anthony Martial after Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Boxing Day.

United paid the price for missing clear-cut chances as Axel Tuanzebe’s late own goal secured a point for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Cavani replaced Martial in the second half and provided a neat assist for Bruno Fernandes’ goal which put United 2-1 ahead with 11 minutes remaining.

Solskjaer is now facing calls to start Cavani after Marcus Rashford missed two excellent chances against Leicester.

But Scholes believes Solskjaer’s best attacking trio is Rashford, Martial and Mason Greenwood, who was left on the bench.

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‘Leaving the best players out… I wasn’t really including Cavani in that,’ Scholes told BT Sport.

‘I know he’s a top centre-forward, but as you say he’s coming to the end now, I was thinking more of Mason Greenwood.

Edinson Cavani provided the assist for Bruno Fernandes’ goal against Leicester City (Getty)

‘I know he didn’t come into the game but I think when those three start together – Greenwood, Martial and Rashford – with Fernandes in behind, I don’t think anybody can handle that. I think it’s too good.

‘It’s great to have Cavani as an option coming on as he did and there will be games he can play.

‘I said before about the 12, 13, 14 players I think United have to have fit to maintain a challenge is still right.

Paul Scholes believes Anthony Martial should start ahead of Edinson Cavani for Manchester United (Reuters)

‘But there will be games where these players [can start]. Like Dan James came in against Leeds last week, like Cavani can do in spells as well.

‘Can they win the league? I don’t know. I just see Liverpool as too good for anybody else in this league.’

Asked if Cavani is United’s best centre-forward, Scholes replied: ‘He’s United’s only centre-forward.

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‘I just think the better option is Martial because of his pace and speed.

‘United play on the counter-attack a lot more, it probably suits him more than Cavani.

‘But Cavani will have a big part to play, he’s capable of scoring 15-20 goals, even if it is from the bench.’

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