Transfer Deadline: Cavani, Telles Reveal How Solskjaer Convinced Them To Join Manchester United

Manchester United’s transfer deadline signings Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles said their respective chats with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had convinced them to join the Red Devils.

United managed to complete last-minute moves for Cavani and Porto FC's Telles on Monday. The former joined the Red Devils on a two-year deal, with an option to break the agreement after one year for both parties. The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano reported that Telles signed with the English club for a fee of €15 million ($17.7 million) plus €2 million ($2.3 million) in add-ons.

Ahead of their United debut, both Cavani and Telles said that Solskjaer played a key role in the completion of their moves.

“Manchester United is one of the greatest clubs in the world, so it is a real honor to be here,” Cavani said in a statement on the club’s official website. “I’ve worked really hard during the time off and I feel eager to compete and represent this incredible club.”

“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,” he added. “I have had a conversation with the manager [Solskjaer] and this has increased my desire to wear this beautiful shirt.”

Telles, meanwhile, said he admires Solskjaer’s vision for the club and is thrilled to play under him.

“I won many trophies at FC Porto and I want to continue that at United,” the 27-year-old left-back said on United's official site. “The manager [Solskjaer] has a clear plan and direction for this team and I can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”

The Norwegian manager is also looking forward to the arrival of the pair. Solskjaer heaped praise on Cavani and emphasized that he is expecting goals from him.

“Edinson is an experienced ultimate professional who always gives everything for his team,” the manager said. “His goalscoring record for club and country is fantastic and we are delighted to sign a player of his caliber. He’ll bring energy, power, leadership and a great mentality to the squad but, most importantly, he’ll bring goals.”

As for Telles, Solskjaer is positive that the former Porto star, whom he referred to as a “fighter and a winner,” is the type of player United has been looking for.

“Alex has the qualities, both as a player and as a person, that we want here at Manchester United,” the United boss said.