Five reasons why Antoine Griezmann will definitely join Manchester United

Since the last few years, Antoine Griezmann has taken the football world by storm with his efficient goal-scoring skills. Atletico Madrid's number 7 has been an integral part of Diego Simeone's side that has won one league title and reached two UEFA Champions League finals. He raised his value higher after being the top-scorer in Euro 2016, scoring 6 goals. Also, Grizou amassed 16 goals and 8 assists in the last season.

Griezmann showed his loyalty to Atletico by agreeing to stay, after they were banned from making any transfers. Manchester United had been vying for his signature for quite some time, though the French forward opted to stay put.

Yet, with recent developments at the club adding fuel to the fire his transfer saga has become, Grizou appears sure to move. But when? Summer or winter? Here are five reasons why he will definitely join the Red Devils in the near future.

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#5: Atletico's lack of ambition in transfer windows

Grizou seems to be regretting his decision to stay in Spain.

If recent reports from Spain are to be believed, The French talisman is seemingly unhappy with Atletico's future ambitions regarding signing big-name players.

Griezmann was reported to have agreed on a massive deal with Manchester United prior to Atletico's transfer ban. With goal-keeper Jan Oblak's future at the club in jeopardy, Griezmann warned Simeone about his intentions to leave if his teammate decided to leave. Jan Oblak was linked with a move to Paris Saint Germain earlier this summer.

Simeone assured the Frenchman with a promise to sign former Atletico star Diego Costa from Chelsea. But, with Atletico's failure to keep their promise, Grizou has certainly made up his mind about quitting Los Colchoneros.

#4: Manchester United need a striker

Rooney's departure has increased United's need for Griezmann.

Manchester United spent lavishly this summer, recruiting Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic, and Victor Lindelof for a sum of nearly £150 million. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has returned to Everton from United, leaving behind a willingness to splash another £100 odd million on Griezmann, owing to their needs of having a top class striker.

Romelu Lukaku had a dream start at Old Trafford, netting four goals in four matches for the club. But, clinical finishing still remains a problem for Manchester United. Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku have missed a handful of chances due to lack of finishing accuracy.

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic not returning until the second half of the season, this condition is a crucial concern for Mourinho.

Grizou, on the other hand, has a penchant for scoring goals. He would certainly be the spearhead of the Red Devils' attack if he joins them. It would certainly help him score more goals.

Ibrahimovic is expected to return within the next few months, but the Swede is getting no younger and will retire soon. In the meantime, Grizou will be allowed to play on the flanks. He will be the obvious first choice, ahead of Rashford and fellow compatriot Anthony Martial.

#3: He conforms to Jose Mourinho's style

Mourinho would relish working with Griezmann

Jose Mourinho will undoubtedly relish working with Griezmann, considering the Frenchman's defensive abilities. The 'Special One' prefers to have wingers and forwards with good defensive traits.

He demands to see his wingers tracking back when his team shifts to defence.The Portuguese manager had famously criticized Cristiano Ronaldo for not tracking back on defence during their time together at Real Madrid.

In a statistical comparison with the United forwards, Grizou made 19 interceptions against Rashford's 13 and Ibrahimovic's 11 last season. These interceptions can cause problems for opponents in their own half, helping Griezmann win the ball.

Further, Griezmann works really hard in Simeone's team, tracking back whenever Atletico are forced on the back foot.

#2 The Paul Pogba connection

Pogba and Grizou are great pals

These days, Paul Pogba just needs to be spotted talking to an opponent or a rumoured transfer target, and social media starts flooding with rumours. When the fans see Paul Pogba talking to a rival compatriot, they assume that something's cooking. Paul Pogba's influence on transfers has fondly earned him the sobriquet, Agent P.

The French midfielder was highly influential in United's war against Chelsea to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton. He could also use his talents as an agent in bringing Grizou to United.

Apart from his abilities as a self-proclaimed agent, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann maintain a great friendship off the field. When queried about his relationship with the Atletico Madrid forward, Pogba said:

"I really like Grizou. It is really enjoyable being pals with him. We are always together, wherever we go."

Griezmann probably has grilled Pogba a lot of times about Manchester United and without a tinge of doubt, 'Agent P' must have replied extremely well.

The fans love seeing close friendships between players blossoming on the field. United fans might have a chance to witness a new bromance after a long time since the time of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

Here's a quick montage to show you just how close Pogba and Griezmann are:

Further, compatriots Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial would certainly help him settle smoothly in England, allowing him to hit the ground running, should the move happen.

#1: Number 7 and £280,000-a-week.

Grizou will retain his Atletico kit number at United

Money and fame. That's what every footballer craves for. And, you wouldn't miss an opportunity where you are just a signature away from getting both.

This is the chief reason why Griezmann will join United sooner or later. The Frenchman has idolized United's legendary former number 7, David Beckham. United have reportedly kept a £100 million and number 7 aside for Grizou.

The Red Devils are also allegedly willing to pay the Frenchman staggering wages of £280,000-a-week.

A chance to fill in your idol's boots, and getting paid that much to do it, is something every footballer dreams of.

If Grizou does seize this one-in-a-million opportunity, he will see a gigantic rise in his fan following. United have one of the biggest fan-followings in the world, and make no mistake, the 26-year old will benefit handsomely from it.

Wayne Rooney's departure to Everton has certainly eased the pressure of United's balance sheets regarding wage bills. Hence, the Red Devils could ensure that Griezmann's treasure chests are filled to the brim.

All in all, Antoine Griezmann and Manchester United are a match made in heaven!