Sport
Falling Giant: The Griezmann Tale
Antoine Griezmann joined an illustrious list of names last week. He did not win the Ballon D’or, lift a treble or become the most expensive player in the world.
He turned down Manchester United.
Joining Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos, Thiago Alcantara and several others who have all been supposedly lined up for moves to Old Trafford only for it to be nothing more than speculation. Some of this is the responsibility of the rumour mill in June overdrive, some is a sign of Manchester United’s changing status.
Griezmann labelled his chances of a move to the northwest as six out of 10 recently. Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban has been upheld, and the Frenchman has changed that six to a zero. Loyalty to the club that has taken him from talented La Liga winger to one of the world’s best forwards is a pleasant surprise, though one that shows Manchester United no longer have the pull they once did.
Changing Tide
Atletico’s successes under Diego Simeone have elevated their status in European football. On the pitch they have duelled with Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid, yet off it they are far from the force of their La Liga contemporaries or Premier League counterparts. Financially they are limp by comparison, and are ruled by a sell-to- buy transfer policy.
Manchester United are a club in the same echelon as Bayern, Barcelona and Real Madrid. These clubs have traditionally been able to dominate when it comes to signing players, through the promise of riches, prestige and medals.
The decline of the Red Devils post Alex Ferguson has seen that attraction fluctuate. Signings of Angel di Maria, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic show that as much as the elongated pursuits of Thiago, Ramos and Griezmann do.
While financially they boast power through countless ‘partnerships’ and one of the world’s most recognisable logos, the association of success with Old Trafford has weakened. An FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League in the last two season may be a healthy haul, but it does not scream ‘superclub’.
City Rivals Bolster Resources
The rejection by Griezmann only stings more in the context of a challenging transfer landscape. Manchester City are moving fast and have landed a brutal blow in signing Bernardo Silva from Monaco.
As each club knows they can hold any Premier League team to ransom, an openly desperate Manchester United will face yet tougher treatment from potential sellers.
While their need in the final third changing was the excuse for Griezmann remaining in Spain, Manchester United’s pursuit of a striker in the light of Ibrahimovic’s injury is apparent. Negotiating becomes a whole chunk tougher once everyone knows the number one target has said a resounding ‘no thanks’.
Arsenal are flirting with audacious, yet improbable, bids for Kylian Mbappe, Chelsea are champions, Liverpool are on the cusp of breaking their transfer record for a vital cog and Spurs will only improve.
This young, speculation filled window has only seen Manchester United rejected by their primary target.
Old Trafford Under a Cloud
Should a number nine be Manchester United’s alternative to Griezmann – who was surely not being signed as a 10 as was suggested – then the names that will reappear are Romelu Lukaku and Andrea Belotti. Belotti holds a cringe-creating release clause, while Lukaku has continued his outspoken record by claiming he has agreed to leave Everton already with the destination unknown.
Alternatives for Griezmann are not only costly, they are in demand. Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United could resemble the galacticos by the end of this summer, but the lust for gigantic spending and squad overhaul leaves the club at risk. As Real Madrid, Bayern and Barcelona similarly look to bolster their options, Mourinho and Ed Woodward are walking a tightrope in the most competitive summer we have seen.
Disappointment over Atletico Madrid’s star man only serves as a reminder that Old Trafford is no longer one of Europe’s dream destinations.
