Mourinho could yet go back in for Griezmann
UNITED are prepared to make a U-turn on their Antoine Griezmann decision if they cannot nail down their new targets before the season kicks off.
M.E.N. Sport understands that if executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has not been able to secure manager Jose Mourinho’s revised summer wish list by the eve of the campaign, they could revisit the Griezmann decision.
The Reds boss wants four new players at the most – and ideally wants them installed in time for United’s pre-tour training camp in America that starts on July 8.
But the history of United chasing their summer targets suggests not all will be on the plane to the States.
If Mourinho can’t get all his transfer targets on board by the beginning of August, ahead of the league season opening on August 12, then they would reconsider the decision to cool their interest in Atletico Madrid’s forward Griezmann before the window closes on August 31.
It would, however, be a considerable about face by the Reds and also the 26-year-old would take some persuading to leave Atletico after so firmly nailing his colours to the Spanish club’s mast.
The Reds have chosen to forge ahead with a pursuit of an out-and-out striker to replace the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic instead.
But an 11th hour change of mind has not been ruled out. NOT for the first time, United’s summer plans could be intrinsically linked to Real Madrid’s.
From the Champions League winners’ pursuit of David de Gea to their attempts to make Europe’s best even better - the eyes of Old Trafford will be fixed on the Bernabeu months.
Jose Mourinho’s transfer plans have already been disrupted by Antoine Griezmann’s decision to stay at Atletico Madrid for at least one more year.
And depending on the whims of Real president Florentino Perez, a pivotal summer could be altered significantly.
Should Real make a formal offer over the next few for De Gea, United will face a fight to keep their No.1.
The club are confident they can persuade the 26-year-old to stay largely because he has not agitated for a move. But a world record bid would be difficult to reject, considering De Gea’s desire to return to his homeland the last time Real came calling in 2015.
Mourinho has already drawn up a contingency plan with Jan Oblak and Kasper Schmeichel earmarked as potential replacements.
Any move for Oblak could be problematic in much the same way as Griezmann, due to Atletico’s transfer embargo.
But United’s focus is on strengthening, rather than replacing key players who head for the exit.
The priority now is an orthodox No.9 and Real have two who could become available this summer.
Should the Spanish giants make Kylian Mbappe the most expensive player in history, it would almost certainly see one of Alvaro Morata and Karim Benzema make way.
Morata has long-been linked with United, with the Spanish striker’s father doing nothing to quell speculation over the weekend.
Cadena Cope reporter Paco Gonzalez interviewed Alfonso Morata, saying: “I know for certain that Manchester United are the only club that want Morata, nobody else.”
Morata replied: “How do you know that?
“You are a great journalist, but I must stay silent and say nothing more.”
Benzema, meanwhile, Tweeted a picture of himself with Sir Alex Ferguson following the Champions League final, describing the former United manager as ‘the Boss.’
Ferguson had identified the Frenchman as Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement in 2009, only for Real to sign him as well as United’s prize asset that summer.
Gareth Bale’s future also remains a source of uncertainty, with United’s executive vice chairman Ed Woodward a long-term admirer.
The Welshman insists he has no plans to leave the Bernabeu - but much could yet depend on Real’s transfer business.
Then there is Ronaldo - the man Woodward dreams of presenting to the club’s investors on the New York Stock Exchange.
But his man-of-the-match performance and two goals in Cardiff were evidence that he remains the king of Real. Even without the Portuguese striker, there could be plenty of movement at the Bernabeu to keep United’s interest.