Antoine Griezmann is a man who is attracting a lot of interest from some of England’s biggest clubs.
The Atletico Madrid forward has been on the radar of both Chelsea and Manchester United for some time now, and their interest only intensified after the Frenchman’s excellent performances at Euro 2016, in which he netted six times to help the hosts reach the final.
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
His future at the Spanish club was also thrown into doubt last month when the 25-year-old parted company with his agent, and this has led to further speculation about whether he will move to the Premier League.
With both Chelsea and United keeping tabs on the French striker, here are THREE reasons why he should choose Jose Mourinho’s United over Antonio Conte’s Chelsea…
Versatility would complement all United players
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
Griezmann’s versatility is one of his standout attributes.
The 25-year-old can play out on the wing, like he did in the early stages of his career, he could play through the middle, or he could in a more advanced role like he did for France in the summer.
This means that he could play out wide, in the number 10 role behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic or, if Mourinho fancies two forwards on the pitch, he could play them both together, which would be a frightening prospect for any Premier League defence.
His work-rate and tenacity off-the-ball will also delight Mourinho, as his side would certainly benefit from having Griezmann in the team.
He would become United’s main creative threat
Ibrahimovic would relish Griezmann’s creativity – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
I still feel that United are lacking that little bit of speak in the advanced areas, and that’s something Griezmann would add in abundance, be it in a central role or out wide.
The Frenchman is certainly more prolific and creative than United’s other main options in the attacking areas, such as Anthony Martial and Juan Mata, and, with Ibrahimovic in the side, there’d be someone to put his created chances into the back of the net.
He’d definitely get into the United starting eleven, and would become the main threat as Mourinho looks to build a title-winning side at Old Trafford.
French contingent at Old Trafford
Pogba (Right) – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
It’s pretty clear from recent quotes in the media that Griezmann gets on particularly well with Paul Pogba.
Add in the fact that French internationals Martial and Morgan Schneiderlin are on the books at Old Trafford (albeit it remains to be seen how long Schneiderlin will stay there!), and there are recognisable faces to help Griezmann settle in Manchester.
At 25, Griezmann is still young and having never played for a club outside Spain since his youth days, moving to England could be a big deal.
It doesn’t always work when big names make big money moves to the Premier League, but having familiar faces already there would surely make it easier for a player to settle. This could happen is Griezmann moves to United.