Jose Mourinho has plans to continue assembling a mega squad at the Theatre of Dreams over the course of the next transfer windows, and more big names continue to get linked with a switch to M16.
Since arriving last summer, Jose has spent well over £150million in the acquisition of players and should be splashing more cash, with the club’s management keen on providing the Portuguese enough support in their bid to return to the top of English football.
News making the rounds have once again linked long-term targets Spanish La Liga duo James Rodriguez, and Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United, with respective winter and summer moves being rumoured.
But considering how the Red Devils have ended up doing bad businesses with some big names in the recent past, signing a player is a step that should be well scrutinized by the Mancunian club.
The Spanish capital clubs’ duo are definitely great players in their own rights, but which of them will be the perfect candidate at the Old Trafford?
Rodriguez’s future at the Bernabeu has constantly had dark clouds over it, and a lack of frequent game time continues to put the career of the 25-year-old under jeopardy. The Colombia international midfielder who has only started 4 La Liga games and 3 Champions League this term would be a great addition to United’s midfield, but that area isn’t in need of more signings now or anytime soon.
Rodriguez plays primarily in the middle of a 3-man midfield at Madrid, and the closest place to that role in Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 formation is the attacking midfield role – one currently played by Pogba. Rooney and Mata have also been deployed in the position, while it’s Mkhitaryan’s favourite role, though he hasn’t had to chance to play there.
Deep midfield isn’t a place Rodriguez can function properly, due to his low work rate and lack of defensive capabilities. So, while Pogba is the only one capable of beating him to a starting berth in United’s starting XI, the chances of still having Rodriguez on the bench are high, and while it would signify a depth in quality, it’s not the best for both club and player.
On the wings is where Manchester United have had most of their struggles, with Mourinho still yet to decide which 2 are his number 1 choices for both wings. Henrikh is beginning to hold a stake for a spot on both wings due to his versatility, leaving the trio of Rashford, Lingard and Martial hoping to earn the manager’s trust with their performances.
With Griezmann available, United can be rest assured of having a standard starting XI capable of standing toe to toe with any team in the world. The 25-year-old France international has played largely as Atletico’s centre-forward this term, but he is also capable of playing on either flank, with the left wing being the role that brought him to the limelight during his Real Sociedad playing days.
The prolific goalscorer is also able to play behind the striker, and he is just the type of signing United need to complete a star-studded and quality attack. With such player within their ranks, the Red Devils can be expected to become more lethal in their finishing and reestablish themselves as English and continental giants again.
Rodriguez would be a good signing no doubt, but Griezmann would be a better signing as he is more needed and is the missing piece of the jigsaw. Such match winner is the perfect addition Old Trafford can do with.