Edinson Cavani would welcome Manchester United signing a new striker this summer to provide competition for a first-team place, according to his Uruguayan compatriot Diego Forlan.
The two strikers previously played alongside each other at international level while Forlan spent three years of his club career at Old Trafford.
The comments come amid increasing speculation that the Red Devils will make an audacious attempt to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane this summer.
The Spurs and England captain reportedly wants a move away from the North London club and United are one of a small selection of possible destinations in terms of pulling power and financial footing.
The rumours of United’s attempts to sign a new striker come shortly after Cavani put pen to paper on a new one-year contract at Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan has enjoyed an impressive debut season at England which has really taken off in recent months - scoring 16 goals across all competitions and nine in his most recent 10 outings for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Cavani has established himself as one of the most important players at the club in recent weeks due to his goalscoring ability, most notable in the Europa League semi-final victory over Roma - where he netted twice in each leg.
He has ousted Anthony Martial as the club’s main central striker and has formed a strong understanding with wide forwards Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.
However, with the striker celebrating his 35 th birthday next season, his game-time will need to be carefully managed and there is a prevailing thought that a new central striker is required not only as a long-term solution, but to allow greater rotation next season.
Former United striker Forlan - who remains a cult hero among the Old Trafford fanbase - believes that Cavani would welcome the club’s attempts to add competition in the position and he would not be detracted.
Forlan told the PA news agency: “Bringing in competition is good when you play so many games – and that is Manchester United every year.
“I would not see that as bad. Of course they can play alongside together, like they play (Luis) Suarez and Cavani together in the national team.
“I don’t think if one of them (Kane or Haaland) is going to come, if they have the opportunity to do it, then Cavani or the player who arrives to Old Trafford is going to be on the bench.
“No way. I think it’s going to bring more competition and do good things as well for the young players. ‘He (Cavani) has been playing in Europe for so many years with competition – PSG, Napoli and also the national team. He likes competition.”
Forlan - currently the boss of Atenas de San Carlos in his native Uruguay - netted 17 goals across 98 appearances at Old Trafford during his stint there between 2002 and 2005.