Man United planning to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid
Manchester United are planning to sign Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann before the start of the summer transfer window.
It is evident that coach Jose Mourinho will be making big changes over the summer after his side struggled to break into the top four amidst an injury crisis.
According to reports, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling were snubbed by Mourinho after the Swansea City draw, saying that he would not talk about them. Previously, he has suggested that both of the players are not as committed to playing through pain as others in the side – such as Juan Mata, who was back unexpectedly early after surgery on his groin.
But there are problems on the way to getting the French striker from Atletico. Griezmann’s move is largely dependent on the club qualifying for the Champions League, which is by no means guaranteed after a disappointing end to the season.
United lie in fifth, a point behind Manchester City, with four league games to catch up. United travel to Arsenal and Spurs in their next two league games, while also taking on Celta Vigo over two legs in the next two weeks.
Problems are mounting for United because they suffered yet more injuries against Swansea – Luke Shaw left in the first half with a bruise on his foot, and Eric Bailly hurt his foot towards the end of the game.
That means that United could line up with Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Ashley Young as a back four for four games in quick succession. Marouane Fellaini is suspended for two more Premier League matches, so Michael Carrick is unlikely to be used as a makeshift defender. Timothy Fosu-Mensah dislocated a shoulder at the end of the Manchester derby, exacerbating the problems.
United need to win the Europa League to make sure of qualifying for the Champions League, if they do not manage a top-four finish, and should be confident of progressing past Celta, who lie 11th in La Liga. However, with their inconsistent record, vulnerable defence, and injuries to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the picture looks gloomy.