Mourinho is urging United’s hierarchy to trigger the £86m release clause in the France striker’s contract with Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window – instead of waiting until the summer.

He wanted Griezmann last summer before the player decided to stay in Spain but is ready to try again to revive United’s faltering campaign which has been compounded by injuries to Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Mourinho revealed on Friday that United are preparing “to spend big on one player this summer” but needs new blood now. 

Barcelona also want Griezmann but Atletico do not want to sell to their La Liga rivals who are expected to make a renewed bid for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.

The problems are piling up for Mourinho with Ashley Young set to be banned for three games today after the wing-back was charged with violent conduct for elbowing Dusan Tadic in the goal-less draw with Southampton on Saturday. The incident was missed by referee Craig Pawson but caught on video.

If Young contests the charge, the FA will decide his fate before today’s game against Everton.

Mourinho was unhappy with the referee after the draw at Old Trafford.

He said: ”Craig Pawson is a fantastic referee, one of the most promising referees in Europe, and it was bad for him. It was one of the key points.

“The other key points were easy goals that we missed. 

“Another key point was David De Gea's save on the Shane Long shot. 

“But the clear, clear point, especially with a result at 0-0, is a clear penalty that was not given.”