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Darren Bent believes Manchester United would 'shoot up the table' if they start Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguay striker signed on a free transfer for the Red Devils after he left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.

 Edinson Cavani has scored three Premier League goals this season
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Edinson Cavani has scored three Premier League goals this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

The 33-year-old has had to make do with mostly substitute appearances so far but shined when he came off the bench for Man United against Southampton.

Cavani showed his predatory instincts to score twice as they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

Former Charlton, Tottenham and Sunderland striker Bent believes he should be starting ahead of Martial when the Red Devils face West Ham on Saturday - with commentary of that match live on talkSPORT.

 Cavani rescued Man United against Southampton
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Cavani rescued Man United against SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images - Getty

He told Drive: “When he came on against Southampton, those two goals he scored, especially the first one where he’s managed to find all this space in a penalty box filled with every Southampton player and he still had five yards of space, which is incredible in itself.

“You talk about someone who has world class movement who can just sniff out a goal. I don’t think Martial can do that.

“I think Martial is a very good player technically. He can get on the ball and go past people but someone who can just sniff out a chance where someone might mishit a shot, like Bruno Fernandes did when he (Cavani) heads it in for the first goal or getting in the six yard box where someone is going to slide it across and he can tap it in.

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“People think it’s just a tap in but there’s so much going through his head to get in that position.

“It was obviously going to take him a little while to settle in but now he’s got those two goals he’s got to start games now.

“I think that will help Man United shoot up the table.”

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