There are some constants in life. Death, taxes and Antoine Griezmann being linked to Manchester United. It’s just a matter of when and not if, the Frenchman will make that switch, and that seems to be likely in the January transfer window.
Antoine Griezmann looked set to take over the coveted #7 jersey at Old Trafford this summer, but a transfer ban to Atletico Madrid meant the Frenchman had to reconsider his decision, deciding it wouldn’t be right on his part to leave the club under such circumstances. But with the ban likely to be lifted in the next transfer window, Griezmann looks set to be the next big name to join the Red Devils.
Manchester United have got off to a flyer in the Premier League and seem to have addressed their main problem of last season, and that is scoring goals. The front three of Lukaku, Martial and Rashford have been in scintillating form and United look like a complete unit.
The signing of Griezmann, though imminent, would present Mourinho with a selection headache. His squad at present possesses a plethora of attacking options, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic still awaiting a return on the sidelines. It goes without saying that a move for the Frenchman could mean the end of the journey for one of United’s stellar names.
In this case, it might signal the end of Juan Mata’s time at Manchester United. AS Roma are keen on securing the services of the Spaniard and could offer him an escape route.
Accommodating Antoine Griezmann could mean a change of shape from the 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2.
Given the options that United have in their ranks, they are better suited to the 3-5-2 system.
The change in formation would mean United switch to a 3-man defence with the successful duo of Bailly and Jones being joined by either Daley Blind or Victor Lindelof. The midfield trio of Pogba, Matic and Herrera would bring the balance that is needed at the centre of the park. Marcus Rashford and Henrikh Mkhitaryan would be tasked with dual roles in attack and defence but will be helped out by Matic and the back three considerably. Up front, we could see an unlikely partnership of Romelu Lukaku and Antoine Griezmann.
Jose Mourinho has tried using 3 at the back on multiple occasions this season, possibly to try out the new formation upon the arrival of Griezmann, we will have to wait and watch.
