Ever since Louis Van Gaal took over, there have been a flurry of rumors about who is going to come to Old Trafford. From Marco Reus to Toni Kroos, there have been plenty of names mentioned. But most of those are in hope rather than expectation. Some of the players being touted are playing for league champions and clubs who are in the Champions League and aren’t at all likely to make the switch to Manchester United this summer, especially when United aren’t even playing in Europe.
While you can say that, last season was just an aberration and that United will be back in Europe this time around, the size of the rebuilding process at hand means that players are unlikely to jump ship. With that in mind, United will have to lower their expectations and either sign unproven young players or players from clubs who aren’t likely to win too much. The Red Devils have to be opportunistic in their deals and here are three players who they might very well be able to sign, if they push for them.
Antoine Griezmann – Real Sociedad
If there one young player that has been coveted by many top European clubs and is A. available this summer and B. will be willing to move to a big club, then it is Real Sociedad’s 23-year-old left winger Antoine Griezmann. Quick, young and skillful, the French winger is just what United need at the moment. A left winger who hugs the touchline, but is equally adept at cutting inside and dribbling past players, Griezmann would certainly be a welcome addition to a United squad that is in sore need of wingers.
With the 23-year-old Frenchman in the World Cup squad, his stock is sure to rise, and the Red Devils have to move quick if they have to snap him up. With the Frenchman not playing for a Champions League club, it might be easier to persuade him to join United, although the club are likely to face stiff competition from both Arsenal and Real Madrid for his signature.