My dream this summer - while still maintaining some degree of realism - would be to get Griezmann, Willian, and other players that could replace Darmian, Blind, and Shaw.
First, Griezmann. A lot has been written/said about his fit with United, and many in American media (ESPN and Fox) are claiming that he is not a good fit, but I disagree. The best critique, in my mind, came from
Ryan Baldi at FourFourTwo. Essentially, using the 2016 Euros as evidence, Griezmann and Pogba struggle playing together. I have two responses. First, as Baldi notes, Pogba has played well in a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 at United. And, as he also notes, a 3-5-2 is also an option as Mourinho deployed it a few times this season, including against Leicester and Chelsea.
Yet, my second response is related to the Willian signing. If United plays a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 in a very fast counterattack, then Griezmann and Pogba will work beautifully together. The problem with that for United this season - and France in Euros 2016 - is that outside of Pogba, the midfield was dirt slow. A fast wing/attacking mid like Willian, however, could improve the speed of the midfield. Further, signing a player like James would have a similar effect. Consequently, Griezmann could work as a traditional 10 - or even a false nine - if Ed Woodward can improve this team's pace.
Finally, Griezmann is
arguably one of the five best players in football. Pogba is one of the best midfielders in football. Assuming Man Utd signs Griezmann, it is Mourinho's job to make those two work together, and I have no doubt that he will accomplish that task.
In regards to the other signings, we clearly need a pacy midfielder, a CB, a FB, and potentially a keeper and another young attacker. Valencia and Bailey are
clearly starting caliber Premier League defenders. Smalling has shown excellent potential, and frankly, can also start and perform at a high level. The dilemma is our other defenders have not shown the ability to start and not be liabilities against the best teams in England. I like Romero, and he would start for Liverpool and pretty much every team below United in the Premier League, but I am curious Jose's feelings.
Ultimately, we accomplished what we needed to this year, but next year we must compete for the EPL title and break through the group stage (at a minimum) in the Champions League.