Manchester United have missed out on several high-profile signings over the years, much to the frustration of their fans.
Several years have passed with the Red Devils targeting players across the globe, only to have disappointed due to various reasons.
The recruitment model under the Glazers came under huge scrutiny, with fans online and in attendance protesting against the ownership for a lack of clarity and direction in recruiting smartly.
The likes of Cole Palmer, Frenkie de Jong and Christopher Nkunku were linked to join the club, only to be eventually be prized away from rivals.
One player in particular, came close on occasions to join United – a certain Frenchman who has been renowned for possessing a wand of a left foot.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
In 2023, there were reports that United were close to signing Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.
Although believed to be just rumours at the time, the France international’s agent has now confirmed that this was the case.
Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, Griezmann’s agent Andrea Orlandi has confirmed that United put an offer on the table, but the player rejected the opportunity to move to Old Trafford.
When discussing the possibility of Antoine Griezmann moving out of LaLiga, Orlandi mentioned the failed transfer to United.
“He’s already 33, I don’t think so,” said Orlandi.
“There has been interest in the past.
“Never a concrete offer, but the teams are the well-known ones…
“But he hasn’t had an offer like from Manchester United: there he refused it and said no, but he has never opened up about saying goodbye to La Liga.
“If in the future he wants to play in a different style of football, we’ll see, I’m not saying he won’t,” Andrea Orlandi concluded.
Although there wasn’t a specific timeframe provided, it would either have been 2017 or 2023 as that’s when Manchester United were heavily linked with the Antoine Griezmann.
Most significantly, United’s interest in Griezmann spiked after his stellar performances at Euro 2016, where the Manchester club were willing to pay around £85m for the Frenchman.
Griezmann himself said there was a “six out of 10 chance” he would join, but he committed to Atletico in June 2017, ending United’s hopes.
United instead signed Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian failed to live up to expectations under Jose Mourinho.
Griezmann went on to win the 2018 World Cup and later joined Barcelona in 2019, before returning to Atletico in 2021.
At 33, Griezmann remains in fairly decent form, with nine goals and six assists in 23 games this season.
United’s focus on younger players under Ineos ownership makes a future move for Griezmann unlikely, with the new recruitment model set to target younger players.
Missing out on Griezmann remains a regret for United, as he could have, and may well have been the key figure during Mourinho’s era.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
