NOW JOSE WANTS TO TURN ON TH STYLE
United chase superstars to take them to next level
JOSE MOURINHO has secured the green light for Manchester United to sign some of the world’s biggest stars.
Mourinho handed his wish-list of targets to United executive vicechairman Ed Woodward two months ago.
It included big names from abroad such as Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane and Monaco’s midfield enforcer Tiemoue Bakayoko.
His list also features players from Premier League rivals, including Chelsea’s Willian, Everton’s Romelu Lukaku, Eric Dier of Spurs and Burnley’s Michael Keane.
Woodward laid the groundwork for United to lure some of these stars to Old Trafford, but knew that Champions League football would strengthen his hand.
United confirmed their return to Europe’s top table with Wednesday night’s impressive Europa League win over Ajax in Stockholm.
The victory saw United lift their third trophy this season under Mourinho if, like the Portuguese, you count the Community Shield.
But the most significant aspect is the fact United will now be competing for the biggest prize in club football again.
Mourinho knows he needs the best to stand a chance of making United ‘Kings of the Continent’ once again.
The more immediate concern is challenging for the Premier League title as well as making an impact abroad. United’s main mission will be to complete the signing of Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.
The French ace has a buy-out clause of £86m but that will not stop United from writing a cheque.
United have become a functional team under Mourinho that are hard to beat and well-disciplined.
But, despite his success, Mourinho knows there is a lack of swagger and stardust on show – a problem Griezmann and Lukaku, who could still decide to join Chelsea, can help solve.
Ander Herrera admits signing Griezmann would be a huge statement and the Spanish ace said: “Griezmann is a brilliant player, a phenomenon.
“He is a star and all the teams in the world would want him. However, Griezmann is still an Atletico Madrid player and I respect Atletico and their fans. But I’ve said it in the past, after (Real Madrid’s) Cristiano Ronaldo and (Barcelona’s Lionel) Messi, he is in that group of those that can become their possible successors.”
Juan Mata would also like to be lining-up alongside Griezmann next season.
He said: “Griezmann is a great player and I like great players.
“He has quality and he gets goals. I don’t know him but he seems like a good person. I don’t know what will happen, but of course I like him.”
Mourinho will return to Portugal later this week to see his family and enjoy a well-earned break.
He can sit on his sun lounger knowing his work is done, with the main ambition of getting back into the Champions League achieved.
Tools
Over the next two months it will be the turn of Woodward to step forward and provide Mourinho with the new tools he needs to take the club to the next level.
Mourinho said: “Ed Woodward has had my list, what I want, what I would like, for more than two months.
“So now it’s up to him and the owners. I wish Mr Woodward all the success in his work because now it’s time for me to disconnect, because I’m very tired. “I am going to land in Manchester, I am going to get a car to London, then to Portugal. I don’t care about football for now. Now I am on holiday.
“I don’t want to see any international friendlies. I am selfish. I can’t do it. For me, enough is enough.
“It has been a very hard last few months, we were short of numbers.
“But with three trophies and (qualifying for) the Champions League, I am very happy in my most difficult season as a manager.”