Manchester United have made big strides under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian coach arrived in December and has taken The Red Devils back into the fight for a top four position in the Premier League and also into the last eight of the Champions League.

I feel United legend Solskjaer has done enough to be offered the managerial role on a full time basis. The quicker that position is properly filled the better as the English giants can then fully concentrate on the future.

That future has to see Man United once again seriously challenging for the top trophies.

In order to do that I think they’ll need bring in a few new faces and, for me, I believe United need to go out and bring in two major statement signings to supplement their squad.

I think a world class centre would be hugely beneficial. Look at the impact Virgil van Dijk has made since arriving at Liverpool in January 2018. A big name like a Kalidou Koulibaly, a Toby Alderweireld or a Raphaël Varane would certainly fill the bill. All three have been linked with a move to Old Trafford at one point this term.

Another position that I believe that could be improved upon with a big name signing would be in the frontline.

Topscorer Romelu Lukaku has had confidence and fitness issues at times this season, Anthony Martial’s season has also been hampered with injuries this term and Jesse Lingard is a hardworking attacker but maybe not one that can always unlock the toughest of defences.

You’ve got a real talent in Marcus Rashford but he too can be inconsistent as he’s still learning his trade and let’s face it he can’t play in more than one position at a time.

Chilean international Alexis Sanchez hasn’t proven himself at Old Trafford since his much heralded arrival in early 2018. He hasn’t been creative enough, nor has he scored enough and he hasn’t turned up in the big games.

The thirty-year old seems to have lost some of his pace and certainly hasn’t had the desire he used to show on a weekly basis whilst playing for Arsenal. It could be time for United to cut their losses and move Alexis on during the summer.

The Manchester Evening News have recently reported that Man United could be favourites to sign Antoine Greizmann if he were to become available in the next transfer window.

The French World Cup winner has had a ‘Will he won’t he?‘ at Atletico Madrid for the past three years, ending up in him staying at Atleti each and every time. Yet once again it seems as though the rumours are once again hotting up, with Spanish media outlet Sport stating he now wants to leave the Spanish capital.

A move to Old Trafford could be huge for both United and the Griezmann himself.

Man United would be getting that huge attack-minded signing. One that’s scored 131 goals in 312 La Liga games.

He’s a forward that possess pace, plenty of intelligence, who can set up teammates and can perform on the big occasions. He’s a player that can dribble beyond opponents, who can finish from free-kicks and can keep the ball in tight spots and when he’s under pressure.

Greizmann would bring that winning experience and big game mentality, he’s another player that has a strong relationship with current United maestro Paul Pogba.

He would also add much needed versatility. Yes he’d love to play as the central striker and I’m sure he’d get that opportunity but he can also star in either wing or as a number ten.

Antoine would be a perfect foil if he were to play in behind Lukaku. The Belgian can hold it up, go into the right wing or come deep. That would allow Griezmann the chance to run in behind and given freedom in front of goal. The French internationalist would also lay on a great supply for Lukaku, Martial and/or Rashford.

United haven’t had a strong player, playing week in and week out, on the right flank and Antoine Griezmann could fill in that void too.

The options are almost endless on how the Frenchman would benefit the Man United team, if he were to sign from Atletico Madrid.

Now others will be interested.

FC Barcelona have been heavily linked with his signature in the past but that documentary that Antoine starred in last summer to tell the world he wasn’t going to Barca could’ve possibly burned his bridges at the Camp Nou.

If he wants to leave then surely the player will want to join a huge club with a great brand and you don’t get much bigger and better than Manchester United.

His image consultant once said that the move to Old Trafford would make a lot of commercial sense (Via The Independent):

“When I read articles about a hypothetical transfer to Manchester United I think it would be the ideal commercial scenario,”

“He would play at Beckham’s former club, which is his idol, with the same legendary number on his back.”

If Antoine Griezmann wants to move and wants to prove himself elsewhere, then what better place to do that than at Man United?

Will it be another summer saga that sees Antoine stay in Madrid? Or will he finally jump ship? Only time will tell.

Posted on March 20th, 2019 by scott
Filed under: Article