Griez a perfect fit for United, says Ferdinand

RIO Ferdinand has suggested Antoine Griezmann’s mobility would complement United’s attack next season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 28 times as the Reds’ figurehead under Jose Mourinho but, at 35, does not offer United as much movement as some of their previous strikers.

As the Swede ponders whether to remain at the club for a second season, United have monitored Torino striker Andrea Belotti and Everton goalscorer Romelu Lukaku both 23-years-old - as potential replacements.

Regardless of Ibrahimovic’s future, United are eager to sign Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann and Ferdinand believes his variety would sharpen United’s frontline in Mourinho’s second season.

“He’s a top operator this guy,” Ferdinand said. “A great technician and a very intelligent footballer. Seeing him live, you’ve just got to see what he does, he just smells the game and comes into positions that are hard to mark for a defender.

“He’s always looking around, aware of who’s around him, playing in positions where you can’t lay a glove on him and when you’ve got a forward like that who does turn and can be potent, it’s so difficult to play against.

“He can see a pass, he understands where his team-mates are, he just makes it difficult and always asks a defender the question: ‘Do you want to come out and mark me and leave the opposition? If you don’t, I’ll turn and hurt you. If you do, I’ll allow someone else to run in behind me.’”

The France international’s Atletico contract includes an £86m release clause.