Antoine Griezmann has offered a boost to his suitors at Manchester United after doubting that a move to Real Madrid is “achievable”.
The Atletico Madrid forward, who scored his side’s equaliser in Saturday’s 1-1 Madrid derby draw at the Bernabeu, is a long-term transfer target for United and several other elite European clubs.
As revealed by The Independent
Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratingsShow all 22 1 /22Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings
Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Jordan Pickford – 5 out of 10 Made a handful of important stops, but he was helpless for the three United goals.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Billy Jones – 5 out of 10 Had very little impact on the game, aside from a few of clearances. Incredibly mediocre display.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Jason Denayer – 7 out of 10 He ran the defensive line, tackled relentlessly and was tremendous in the air.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Lamine Kone – 5 out of 10 The defender invited trouble upon himself by allowing the ball to bounce in the box and failing to clear his lines.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Bryan Oviedo – 6 out of 10 Defended courageously but was subbed in the early stages due to a hamstring injury.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Sebastian Larsson – 3 out of 10 Saw a red card for a studs-up challenge on Herrera.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Jack Rodwell – 5 out of 10 Drifted in and out of the game. Lacked service, but that’s no excuse for a player of his calibre.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Lee Cattermole – 6 out of 10 The skipper’s confidence was evident – he was one of the only Sunderland players to test Romero with a strike.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Didier Ndong – 5 out of 10 The 22-year-old was sloppy and wasteful with the ball. He failed to capitalise on any possession.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Victor Anichebe – 5 out of 10 Had a key chance to level the scoring from close range, but was denied by Romero. Aside from that, it was a quiet display.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Jermain Defoe – 5 out of 10 Aside from two late efforts, you could have been excused for not realising the striker was on the pitch today.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Sergio Romero – 6 out of 10 He looked unbeatable today, but this was enhanced by the lack of action in the United area.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Matteo Darmian – 6 out of 10 Progressed well up the pitch and provided constant service to the United midfield.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Eric Bailly – 5 out of 10 Lost a number of 50/50 challenges and aerial balls – certainly room for improvement.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Marcos Rojo – 5 out of 10 The majority of his tackles were clumsy and late, which was giving Sunderland unnecessary possession.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Luke Shaw – 6 out of 10 The defender looked menacing going forward and his deliveries into the box were impressive.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Marouane Fellaini – 5 out of 10 Failed to play like a captain – lost a number of challenges and wasted possession on several occasions.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Ander Herrera – 8 out of 10 A top display from the midfielder. He assisted Ibrahimovic’s goal and created chances throughout.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Jesse Lingard – 7 out of 10 He was oozing confidence and was not afraid to take a strike on goal to test Pickford.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Paul Pogba – 7 out of 10 An encouraging display from the Frenchman – he was energetic, passed well and tackled relentlessly.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7 out of 10 His goal was an example of his limitless ability. He created his goal out of nowhere and it put the game to bed just after the interval.
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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 9 out of 10 An inspiring display all round and his goal was a moment of individual magic. Faultless.
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However, the France international believes such a move is unlikely given the historic rivalry between the two clubs.
“I do not rule out anything in the future, but I'm happy at Atletico and hopefully I can stay here,” he said.
“Interest from Madrid? I can't say "yes" or "no". You never know what can happen in football, but moving from Atletico to Real, I don't know if it's achievable.
“Very few players have done so. For this reason, I think it's dead,” he added.
Santiago Solari was the last high-profile player to move from Atletico to Madrid, making the move across the city in 2000.
Several players have turned out as a youth player for one of the Spanish capital’s clubs before switching allegiances, with Raul, the 228-goal Madrid great, being the most famous example.
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