Rumor: Because "It" (the rumors/gossip that is) just does not stop... - winter transfer thread

A move to United is a possibility - Griezmann

www.skysports.com/football/news/11838/11138360/atletico-madrids-antoine-griezmann-says-manchester-united-move-is-a-possibility

 

Exactly why United have to move on him as soon as possible (ie next summer). It won't be long at all before Bayern or possibly some other big club, make their move for him.
And United have a leg due to the fact that he's a confessed United fan and would surely favor/push for a transfer, if they showed interest.
It's a marriage made in heaven, with untold possibilities on many different fronts.

 

It does not necessarily mean anything in terms of the level of performance that we can hope to see. But as far as luring him to the club, it can make a big difference (in terms fulfilling a possible dream of his). Of course it wouldn't mean anything if the club does not have a registered interest in him.
My point though is that with the options that may be available for a right sided forward, he's as good as there could be in my opinion. As much as I was high on Bale for instance, with him not being able to stay fit (and closing fast on 30), I'd rather go for someone with lots of upside (like Pulisic or Guedes). It only makes sense: especially for someone clearly mature beyond his years, like Pulisic.

 

He mentioned during his chat with the Fulltimedevils guys that he'd want him to get the #7 jersey and that he likes him a lot as a player. It obviously implies that he thinks the club should sign him, even if he stopped short of actually saying so.

 

If we're being completely honest, with Pulisic we're talking about a player who is extremely versatile and comfortable in several positions. He can play anywhere across the front and he has played on the right plenty, be it with the US national team or with Dortmund.
He's being deployed as a wingback today vs Schalke and has already contributed to a cross that lead to a goal so far.

 

I can appreciate your thoughts on the subject, but the problem is twofold, the way I see it. First, as mentioned, the number of quality RW, who can make that flank their own as you said, are few and far in between. Bale is one and as much as I was in favor of bringing him in just this past summer, I'm starting to change my tune about him: his inability to stay fit, age and price do not make him attractive in the least anymore. A very big and pricey gamble.
Gelson Martin is another one that is mentioned, but he's one I'm not convinced with yet based on what I've seen so far. The 2 best options I can think of, based on your criteria are Leon Bailey and Goncalo Guedes. If we can convince their current clubs to sell, then great. Bailey just moved to Leverkusen this season and I don't know what PSG's intentions are with Guedes tbh.
Those guys though bring me to the second issue, which is Jose and the type of player he wants in that position. Just in his last stint at Chelsea, guys like Cuadrado and Salah, who both seem like the prototypical RW, were both discarded by him, in favor of someone like Willian (or Pedro). I don't have anything against him personally, but Willian is very much a player in the Pulisic mould: a worker with big discipline at both ends of the pitch, super high workrate and engine. Not particularly tricky and can play on the wings or more in a central position.
Rumors about Jose going back for Willian, are once again making the rounds (especially with him not being a regular under Conte). As mentioned, I'd be fine with that type of right sided presence, but like Matic last summer and especially for that position, I'd rather look at a long term option, over someone like Willian, who is closing in on 30 and will be a short term option.
Worst comes to worst, Pulisic can always be moved inside once Jose leaves (as he was fated to do), but for now, he'd make a definite upgrade on anything we have to offer at the moment on the right, and he's a player, with the quality and characteristics he possesses, who would be right up Jose's alley IMO.

 

It's really maddening indeed when we think of all the quality wingers we've passed on. One of Sane, Mane or Salah alone could (or even should have been ours).
As far as a 10 goes, it's becoming clear that a new one is needed. Mata loves the club and seems content with his role as a squad guy that I'd keep him around and let Miki go. Don't know if Woody would have it in him to go for 2 big money purchases in one year, but if he were, then Pulisic and make a move for Dybala would be the way I would go.
If that's going to be too much coin for United to spend in one summer (considering there are still other needs as well), that's where Ozil comes in: he's not a long term guy in the least or even the ideal solution, but he'd be free (thus freeing up cash for other players) and in the right hands, he's stilla fantastic player as well. And he'd buy the club at least a couple of years, before having to go for another 10. And by then, who knows, maybe Pereira and/or Gomes will be ready to make the position their own.
But as previously mentioned, we need to do something ASAP about the right flank: the team is lopsided and unbalanced. And as a result, it makes us easier to figure out for opposing teams (and easier to defend against).

 

He plays on the right at Pool, just as he did with Roma and he would be a more effective option than anything we currently have to offer by some margin (including Rashford).
Besides, in Jose's system/setup especially, a winger is not really what is needed, so much as a viable right sided attacking presence/option.