Curious ? Seems pretty likely Griezmann is staying because Atletico can't replace him.
Sounds more like Man U spinning like they didn't want him anyways.
Yeah, it doesn't add up. United might have trouble affording Griezmann and, say, Lukaku, but they could easily buy Griezmann and a CF in the 30M range (like bringing Chicharito back) and use a CF rotation of that guy, Rashford, and Zlatan (assuming he is brought back).
Also, I think the notion of Griezmann as a 10 - and therefore not really being a necessity - is totally off base. His best role in a Mourinho side would be as the wide forward with a relatively free role and few defensive responsibilities (Eto'o at Inter, Ronaldo at Real, Hazard at Chelsea). United don't have anybody who can convincingly play that role right now so its not like there isn't a real need that Griezmann would fill.
Like other clubs, United have a history of denying they were interested in players who turn them down. I still think they might end up with Griezmann but if he doesn't come then the most likely scenario is that Atleti offered him a pay raise and he simply said no to United, with the club's transfer ban probably playing a role in that.