The 33-year-old was named in manager Oscar Tabarez's starting XI, up front alongside Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez, on what was his first international appearance since November 2019.
Cavani looked like he had never been away and extended his Uruguay goals account after just five minutes, latching onto a Nahitan Nandez pass to execute a low finish past the goalkeeper.
The assist and goal bore quite a resemblance to Edinson’s first United strike, scored via a Bruno Fernandes pass to conclude last weekend’s 3-1 Premier League win over Everton at Goodison Park.
Colombia, with in-form James Rodriguez in attack, tried to find a way back into the match and enjoyed more of the ball, yet they couldn’t find a way past Uruguay goalkeeper Martin Campana.