Man Utd news LIVE updates: Griezmann decision made, Bale move latest, Ozil update

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Monday December 18

Man Utd make Griezmann decision
12.30: Manchester United have given up on signing Antoine Griezmann as he closes in on a move to Barcelona.

Manchester United are resigned to Griezmann staying in Spain and have been told he is likely to join Barcelona.

United tried to sign Griezmann in the summer but changed their focus to Romelu Lukaku when he opted to stay after Atletico’s transfer ban was upheld.

But they remained keen on Griezmann through this season and were considering a move in either January or the summer.

But now they believe he is going to Barcelona after his family met with Barca reps.

And United will now turn their attention to Gareth Bale and Mesut Ozil.
Ozil and Sanchez contract situation
11:05: Alexis Sanchez will definitely leave if Mesut Ozil does, according to BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks.

Crooks told the BBC: “Arsenal have a squad capable of finishing in the top four but the real issue is will Ozil stay at Arsenal?

“Arsene Wenger insists he will, but he would say that wouldn’t he? If Ozil goes then where does that leave Alexis Sanchez?

“There is no doubt in my mind that one player gets his inspiration from the other and should Ozil leave then it would almost signal the departure of Sanchez too.

“The question both players must be asking themselves is, ‘what is the point of staying at Arsenal?’.

“It looks like Pep Guardiola and Manchester City could be dominating the Premier League for the next few years.”
Mourinho told who to play
09.00: Jose Mourinho has been told to put his faith in their ‘Mr Dependable’ Chris Smalling.

Smalling played the full 90 minutes as Manchester United beat West Brom 2-1 at the Hawthorns yesterday, taking over the captain’s armband when Antonio Valencia was forced off through injury.

Last week, Mourinho confirmed Eric Bailly could be out for up to three months due to injury on an ankle injury.

Which means Smalling could be set for an extended period in the side with a mounting fixture list over the festive period.

The England defender began the season on the bench as Phil Jones and Bailly were Mourinho’s first choice but has worked his way back into the team.

And BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks believes Smalling could become a key player for Mourinho.

He said: “Manchester United’s win at West Brom wasn’t an easy watch for me, in fact I found much of the game rather boring.




“However, what I did find interesting was the captain’s armband slowly finding its way to Chris Smalling.

“In the absence of Antonio Valencia, who left this dull affair with a hamstring injury, I can’t think of a more likeable or committed player to give the armband to.

“All credit to manager Jose Mourinho – he does like to give the armband to those who don’t crave the limelight.

“The Christmas period is going to be very demanding, and Smalling is the sort of player who will compete and lead by example.

“No Eric Bailly (for at least a couple of months) or Daley Blind means United can’t afford many more injuries or suspensions to their top defenders. So having Smalling around for so long has proved to be of real value.

“He may not be the most gifted centre-back at the club, but he is certainly Mr Dependable.”

Barca’s Griezmann talks
08.02: Barcelona director of sporting relations Guillermo Amor has given a coy response to reports president Josep Maria Bartomeu held a meeting with Antoine Griezmann’s family.

Griezmann is being strongly linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid after his manager Diego Simeone admitted last week they would find it tough to keep him if a big club made an approach.

Rumours in Spain claimed Bartomeu had met with Griezmann’s family to discuss the transfer.

However Amor was reluctant to confirm whether discussions had taken place but said there was already a good relationship with Griezmann’s entourage.

“If Bartomeu met with Griezmann’s family as the newspapers say, then there may well have been an approach,” Amor told Movistar.

“Though, I don’t know anything for sure.”

He added: “There is a good relationship, there can also be comfortable conversations.

“Rumours are inevitable in the football world.

“In Griezmann’s case there are many people we talk to; it’s our obligation to have contact with players.”
Zaha to Chelsea
07.25: Chelsea could make a January move for Crystal Palace ace Wilfried Zaha.

The Daily Mirror report that the Blues are interested in the Palace star.

Zaha has been in great form since Roy Hodgson took over at Palace, helping them out of the drop zone.

And Chelsea have taken notice and could make an approach in January as Antonio Conte looks for options in the transfer window.

Zaha spent an ill-fated two years at Manchester United before returning to Palace.

Van Gaal wants revenge
06.45: Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has claimed that he wants to take revenge on the Red Devils.

The Dutchman was sacked last year after the United supporters grew frustrated with the style of football he was implementing at Old Trafford.

And Van Gaal has been without a club since, and claims he will only return to management to hit back at United.

“I will probably not manage a club anymore,” he told the Mirror.

“I would make one exception — if a big English club comes for me, than I would do it.

“Because then I can get the chance to get one over on Manchester United.”
Valencia injury update
06.15: Jose Mourinho has shed some light on the extent of Antonio Valencia’s hamstring injury.

The wing-back was forced to withdraw on the 66th minute during the 2-1 win against West Brom yesterday.

But Mourinho is not worried about the set-back.

“No (I’m not worried about the injury), that’s football – especially football in England,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“Especially in December.

“It’s normal the players are getting into fatigue levels. They’re not machines.”

Man Utd to rival Chelsea for Alex Sandro
05.45: Man Utd have reportedly been given the go-ahead to sign Juventus full-back Alex Sandro in January.

The Red Devils have yet to find a settled left-back after Luke Shaw fell out of favour with boss Jose Mourinho.

Ashley Young has been holding the fort since, but now United are expected to strengthen next month.

And according to the Mirror, Sandro would be available to move for £60m, which is £5m less than the amount Chelsea had rejected in the summer.

Source:www.express.co.uk