According to Ian McGarry of Transfer Window Podcast, Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala is among the players that are included in Manchester United’s shopping list this summer (as reported by Talksport). It is believed that the Red Devils are willing to meet Dybala’s release clause as they aim to shore up their attack.
“Dybala’s still on United’s shortlist, that’s for sure. It was held up in terms of the deal because what we reported was that United had indicated to Juventus that they were willing to meet the buy-out clause of Dybala.”, McGarry claimed.
He further went on to say, “That was before of course Allegri’s future was decided and in between, Dybala himself said he didn’t want to make any rash decisions based on now knowing who the incoming coach would be.
“Now obviously that’s been cleared up. But the Copa America is now getting in the way of that particular negotiation.”
Dybala’s spell at Juventus
Since making a €40 million move from Palermo to join Juventus back in 2015, Dybala has become a vital part of the Old Lady attack. The Argentine international has been involved in 111 goals in 182 matches for Juve in all competitions.
However, following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, Dybala was forced to operate in a wider role. And that took a massive toll on his overall productivity in the final third. The 25-year-old scored only five goals and provided six assists this past season as opposed to the 22 goals he scored during the 2017/18 campaign.
What can Dybala bring to the table?
Dybala is advertised as a technically astute attacker, who, unlike most other centre-forwards, heavily relies on his technical prowess. He is not the most physically challenging forward, but his ability to play quick one-twos with partnering attacker and break the shackles of the opposition defence with neat footwork is what makes him such a sought after player in Europe.
The Argentine can also drop deep and link-up play with his teammates, much like his compatriot Sergio Aguero. But unlike the Manchester City superstar, Dybala appears quite confident when it comes to beating defenders and nestle through tight spaces with his nimble footwork.
Should Manchester United make a move for Dybala?
Dybala will be a welcome addition to Manchester United this summer. The Juve forward can offer much more mobility in the final third as opposed to Romelu Lukau while his technical prowess means he can link-up with the likes of Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford and make Manchester United dangerous during offensive phases.
When probing the opposition, Dybala’s neat passing and intelligent through balls in behind the defence could bode well for someone like Rashford or any wide attackers as well as the overlapping fullbacks. That means the 25-year-old can be utilised as a partnering attacker to Rashford in Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer’s 4-1-3-2 formation.
Hence, Dybala could benefit Manchester United from a tactical perspective, and the potential sale of Lukaku could help them fund a move for the Argentine international, who is more than capable of making them title challengers next season.
