Manchester United have decided not to go on a bidding war against Barcelona for the services of Atletico Madrid ace Antoine Griezmann. Some sources in the Spanish press claim that Jose Mourinho has opted to pull out of the race for the French international which has paved the way for the Catalans to finally secure their transfer target. The La Liga club are looking to make a few additions when the transfer window opens in January and one of their technical staff has identified Griezmann as an ideal option to replace Neymar, who left for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
The French striker was highly reluctant to make a move during Athletico Madrid’s transfer ban which made it difficult for Manchester United and Barcelona to continue with their pursuit of the attacking talent. It is understood that the Red Devils were more interested in the French international that their manager Mourinho who liked the prospect of having Griezmann play for him but not at the price Atletico Madrid would have demanded for the player. This is one of the main reasons why the Manchester club would not return with a bid for the 26-year-old when the transfer window commences next month or in the summer, even if Atletico lets him depart the club.
This recent development has boosted the Catalans chances of securing the player with no immediate competition in their pursuit of the Frenchman.
Manchester United currently find themselves in second place in the Premier League table, a massive 15 points behind rivals and league leaders, Manchester City. They have fallen off the title race and are now looking for reinforcements in the January transfer window to try and close the gap to City while also consolidating their position in the league, with Chelsea hot on their heels just a point behind in third place.
The possible signing of a world-class talent like Antoine Griezmann would have done wonders to their confidence yet their manager Jose Mourinho seems reluctant to splash the cash on an inflated transfer market.
The French forward has made 20 appearances for Atletico Madrid this season and has scored 7 goals while making five assists. He has a wealth of experience in La Liga and has been performing at the highest level for quite a number of years. The collapse of a possible move for Griezmann is likely to not go down well with the United faithful as their club looks to find a quality attacking midfielder next month.
