Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has no problems with Edinson Cavani's latest absence from injury.

The Uruguayan has not featured for United since last week's draw with Burnley.

Cavani, 35, has endured an injury-laden campaign, but Rangnick says the veteran has earned the right to judge his own fitness.

"It is always sad if you have players unavailable, no matter if it is Edinson or another," Rangnick said.

"If they are injured, they are injured. If a player says he is not available because he is injured and we do a scan, and realise there is an injury, even if it is a minor muscle injury... if the player says he cannot fully sprint it makes no sense to have them in the squad.

"Yes, I would have loved to have him in the squad and maybe brought him onto the pitch in the second half against Southampton, but it was not possible. If it is frustrating or not, it would have been good to have him available, but in the end, he's old enough – by the way, it's Edinson's birthday today – I think he is old enough to know if his body is ready in order to play or not."