Manchester United round-up: Antoine Griezmann deal agreed says ex-agent; Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacts to injury; Jose Mourinho discusses priorities

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Antoine Griezmann has reached a financial agreement with Manchester United, respected ex-football agent Vincent Rodriguez claimed on Twitter. The French forward has long been linked with the Red Devils, but the agent’s claim goes beyond just speculation in suggesting that the two parties have agreed a deal.

However, from his tweet it does seem that United have not yet reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid over a transfer fee, which could mean that the club are forced to trigger his release clause which stands at £86 million, going close to the record breaking fee paid for Paul Pogba last summer.

He could join striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic up-front at Old Trafford if the Swede opts to stay in Manchester after returning to fitness after suffering a serious knee injury. However, the 35-year-old has no intention to quit as he posted to Instagram:

“First of all, thank you for all the support and love. It’ s no news I got injured so I will be out of football for a while. I will go through this like everything else and come back even stronger. So far I played with one leg so it shouldn’t be any problem. One thing is for sure, I decide when its time to stop and nothing else. Giving up is not an option.”

There had been speculation that the injury could cast doubt over whether or not he would return to playing football given his advanced age, but Ibrahimovic clearly has no intention to allow his decorated career to be finished by an injury suffered in the Europa League clash with Anderlecht.

Jose Mourinho has spoken to insist that the Europa League is the top priority for the club as they face a semi-final tie against Spanish club Celta de Vigo. Mourinho told the club website:

“[There is] one point [between United and Manchester City] so the situation is open but Man City has to play Premier League football and we have to play in the semi-finals of a European competition. Yes, it’s an objective to try to finish in the top four but my feeling, my understanding, what I like to share, is that this club is made to win trophies. In the Premier League, we cannot win it. In the Europa League, we have a 25-per-cent chance of winning it. So, I think we have to put everything into the Europa League.”

Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace now means that United can control their own destiny and finish in the top four, but victory in the Europa League would also see Champions League football return to Old Trafford next season.

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