With the season coming to a conclusion and the top four situation intensifying, United are facing a difficult task to qualify via the top four. Their only option is to win the Europa League which looks very likely as United have a strong team, but we know that football is an unexpected game. Wining the Europa League will guarantee direct qualification to the Champions League.
With Champions League football, United will start remodeling the squad and strengthen it by adding world class players to tackle the twists and turns of the Champions League . United having the financial upper hand will find it easy.
Let's analyse the latest transfer targets with boosts and bumps of the deal, with a final verdict and transfer probability.
1. Antoine Griezmann
The 26 year old Frenchman is already a main transfer target and based on multiple sources a deal is agreed for the players person demands and a mutual fee is agreed by the clubs by triggering the strikers 86 million buy out clause which would make him the world's most expensive player beating Pogba who joined United this season for a world record fee.
Boosts :
1. United are financially superior in buying him with two record deals in two consecutive years. His personal contract would make him earn as much as Pogba.
2. Current United player Paul Pogba is his fellow countryman and good friend. As a final bait, Pogba could be used as a persuasive factor.
3. Griezmann fancies the number 7 shirt, and he idolizes David Beckham has a role model. It would be a dream to wear the iconic United number 7 and carry the legacy forward. Previously worn by Eric Cantona, David Beckham, George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo.
4. There is already a deal in principle with Atletico Madrid and also a mutual agreement with the player, just few paperwork and a medical in July is required to seal the deal.
Bumps :
United look in the driving seat in the race for Griezmann. There shouldn't be any problems. But the only main concern is that Griezmann will join United only if United qualify for Champions League. With the top 4 race heating up. Europa League win is required not only for Champions League but also Griezmann. A loss is not an option.
Probability of Joining : 85 %
Verdict : Buy
2. David De Gea
One of the latest and most talked about transfer moves in the recent weeks is of United number 1 De Gea. The 26 year old shot stopper has been a very influential part of the squad with the numerous and world class saves.The Spaniard has given and saved important points. De Gea was subject to a failed transfer move to Real Madrid due to a late fax machine issue due to which he stayed at United. But now reports suggest that he wants to move again and Madrid manager Zidane wants the keeper at the Los Blancos at any means necessary. Negotiations have begun.
Boosts :
1. United have hired De Gea's favorite goalkeeping coach, Emilio Alvarez who is De Gea's mentor and developed him while at Atletico Madrid.
2. United have the financial upper hand. They can double Davids wages and hold him off via money.
3. At Manchester he is a fans favorite and considered a legend. He is arguably Europe's best keeper and if he joins Madrid he will not get the same support and love he gets here. He will simply live in the shadows of Ronaldo. As we all know support is an important part in a players form. Some say Madrid fans do not want him.
4. United can keep hold of him by giving him the captain’s armband. Being a United captain is a sign of great dignity and honor. It also comes in the sign of trust and experience. With De Gea's contributions for the club, he may feel a sense of responsibility and support. At Madrid he may never get the armband until Ramos, Ronaldo or Kroos are around.
5. De Gea and Mourinho share the same agent Jorge Mendes. Mendes is also a great friend of Mourinho so he can be used as a influential factor.
6. United want two important players as a part deal for De Gea. Mourinho wants two world class players. We don't think Madrid may give two important players for one goalkeeper. If United stay firm in their choice, Madrid could back away.
Bumps :
1.Madrid is De Gea's hometown and has expressed desire to play for Madrid and in Spain.
2. De Gea's partner Edurne Garcia lives in Madrid so he will be wanting a move.
3. De Gea has a 60 million release clause. If triggered United can't stop him from moving. After which it is the players personal decision.
4. United will require Champions League football to have a chance of keeping him at United. With that unsure a move looks likely.
United have reportedly started negotiations with Atletico keeper Jan Oblak as a possible replacement.
Probability of Staying :55%
Verdict : Keep at all costs
3. Jan Oblak
The Atletico keeper is a potential replacement for De Gea if he desires to leave. He is 24 and amongst the top 5 keepers in Europe.
Boosts :
1. He is a potential replacement for De Gea
2. At 24 he is experienced and world class. Champions League proven.
3. United can financially afford him, having a 84 million price tag.
Bumps:
1. With his high price tag United could stop their pursuit in signing him.
2. As United want to sign his fellow team mate Griezmann, Atletico will hesitate in letting both of their first team stars leaving. It's either Griezmann or Oblak and it definitely looks Griezmann.
3. If the talks have actually begun it would more or less confirm De Gea leaving for Madrid.
Probability: 45%
Verdict : Don't Sign
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Italian wonderkid, AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has taken the footballing world by storm with his impressive performances in goal at a slender age of 18. He is dubbed the next Buffon and he has clearly showed why.
Boosts :
1. He is extremely talented and proven.
2. His agent Mino Raiola has brokered the deals of Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic and Pogba this season. If he ever wants to leave Mino will offer him to United first due to friendship.
3. He is only 18 and has lot of time to develop. He is quite mature for his age.
4. He is also a De Gea alternative.
5. United can offer him Champions League football. Milan are still fighting for a Champions League spot in the Serie A
Bumps :
1. As he is just 18 he will be wanting to stay in Italy for few more seasons
2. His mentor Buffon the Italian and Juventus's legendary keeper may want him to stay in Italy or move to Juventus as his successor
3. As the Europe's Elite are behind him too, United will need to act fast for his signature.
Probability : 65% If De Gea leaves
Verdict : Buy
5. Andrea Belotti
The 23 year old Italian striker who is setting the pace in the Serie A with his meteoric rise at Torino is in Mourinho’s wishlist.
Boosts :
1. Young and can replace Zlatan
2. Is a creative and lethal forward who can be paired with Griezmann and Martial.
3. Financially affordable
Bumps
1. He has a 80 million release clause which makes him quite overrated
2. The question if he will fit in Mourinho’s system
3. His loyalty towards Torino makes him difficult to get.
Probability : 50%
Verdict : No
6. Bernardo Silva
The Portuguese left footed attacking midfielder is a regular starter.
Boosts :
1. Monaco will 45 million for him which is not at all bad.
2. Shares the same agent as Mourinho, Jorge Mendes.
3. Will add fluidity in midfield and attack.
Bumps :
1. Fellow team mate Mbappe is also a target so Monaco may only sell one. If given a choice they will keep Mbappe.
2. His arrival will spell the end of Mata.
Probability : 65%
Verdict : Buy
7. Kylian Mbappe.
The team mate of Silva is next in line. At 18 he has blasted France and the Champions League with his deadly attacking capacity and display. Mourinho will be eyeing him to lead the line of attack.
Boosts:
1. The player could move.
2. Asking price is 110 million and United are the few clubs who have the ability and willingness to pay that high amount.
3. He is a world class talent and with the resources that United have in developing young players, Mbappe and United are a match made in heaven.
Bumps :
1. With such a sizeable price tag, the club hierarchy may have doubts in quality and worth.
2. United will have to make him a first choice striker. Paying so much and a bench role will be illogical.
3. United will have to act fast as Bayern Munich, Madrid and Manchester City are eyeing him.
4. Monaco will try their best to keep him and as Bernardo Silva is also target. Mbappe will not be listed
Probability : 40%
Verdict : Buy
8. James Rodriguez
The Real Madrid winger wants to leave the club due to a fall out with manager Zidane and is out of favor. Mourinho will be looking at him as a Rooney replacement.
Boosts :
1. Shares the same agent as Mourinho, Jorge Mendes.
2. The player wants to move to England and has told Mendes about a move to United.
3. According to reports he has already begun house hunting in Manchester and has selected a squad number 10 currently worn by Rooney,hence fueling the speculation.
4. Has become out of favor and is behind Marco Asensio.
5. He is 25 and asking price of 50 million is not bad.
Bumps :
1. Has an ego and attitude.
2. Even though he will be first choice he will face competition at United.
3. Chelsea are also eyeing him.
4. If United move for him Madrid will ask for De Gea in return which is not wanted by all. It will be a big gamble.
5. His arrival will spend the end of Rooney's illustrious career as a Red Devil and club captain .
Probability : 70%
Verdict : Split. Would be good and would be bad because of De Gea going .
9. Alvaro Morata
The last player on our list and Mourinho’s wishlist is out of favor Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. Jose is a big fan of the player.
Boosts :
1. He wants to move away
2. Still young and promising striker.
3. Living in the shadows of Benzema.
4. Experienced striker
Bumps :
As he is living in the shadows of Benzema he has limited game time.
2. At 24 his inner potential is not yet discovered.
3. Would be a risk to give a player with limited games to lead the United attack
4. May find it difficult to fit.
5. Chelsea and Inter are interested.
6. Real Madrid will ask for De Gea for any player United want. He is the offered player along with Rodriguez in the current reported bid, but Mourinho is not interested.
Probability : 50%
Verdict : If United want him, loan him for a season with an option to buy at the end.
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