Sridhar Bhamidi
Of all the names that have been linked with Manchester United, two names keep popping up regularly. Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann and Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil are linked with a move to Old Trafford for one reason or the other.
So, there is no wonder that the latest reports in the Manchester Evening News indicate that the Red Devils would land either one of these players at the end of the season, possibly as a replacement for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
United manager Jose Mourinho is a fan of both the players and we can easily see his line of thinking. Griezmann almost joined the club in the summer after being linked with Old Trafford all through the transfer window.
It was because of Atletico’s transfer ban that the Frenchman decided to stay back in the Spanish capital. He even extended his contract with Diego Simeone’s team, but it is well known that he is angling for a move.
Diego Costa has been signed by Atletico, who is possibly a replacement for Griezmann. The 26-year-old will be a great addition to the United squad and the chance to link up with his national teammate Paul Pogba could be another lure for the striker.
Another player linked continuously, at least in the past few weeks, is German midfielder Mesut Ozil. His contract expires at the end of next summer and it is being reported that he would swap the Emirates for Old Trafford.
Possible reason being given is the working relationship that Ozil had with Mourinho during their time at Real Madrid. Though it wasn’t always a cordial relationship and there were times when it has been frosty, it is believed that they rate each other very highly.
With Ozil not having extended his contract with Arsenal, it looks likely that he will leave for free next summer. Arsenal may look to cash in on their star midfielder in the winter window but United feel they can sign him for free next summer.
But, what baffles me is the link to Mkhitaryan and linking Ozil as a replacement for the Armenian. It is purely illogical to bash the United playmaker for a couple of below-par performances and try to replace him with someone whose work-rate is, at best, average.
Fans won’t mind seeing the arrival of Ozil or Griezmann but not at the expense of Mkhitaryan. What’s your take on this?
