According to The Times, Juventus have encouraged Paulo Dybala to join Manchester United as they plot a sensational swap deal. It is believed the Bianconeri are keen to offload both Dybala and Mandzukic in an attempt to sign Romelu Lukaku. The Mandzukic deal is already close while the club have urged the Argentine to follow suit, which could allow them to sign the United striker in a swap deal.
In this article, we will discuss three potential formations Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer could use to accomodate both Dybala and Mandzukic along with the other attacking superstars.
The conventional 4-2-3-1
Solskjaer is not a stranger to using the 4-2-3-1 as it offers a lot of stability in midfield. At the same time, it also allows three creative players to operate in the final third, just behind the central striker.
Paul Pogba’s future remains in doubt, but if the Frenchman stays, he is a guaranteed starter in the double-pivot alongside either of Scott McTominay or Nemanja Matic. Pogba, meanwhile, could be rotated with Fred. The Brazilian could enjoy a more prominent role following the departure of Ander Herrera this season.
In attack, Dybala should occupy the lone number ten position. As for Marcus Rashford, he will have to shift into the wider-attacking slot. The English sensational featured in a central role for a chunk of last season but he is equally comfortable on the wings. He will likely operate on the left with Juan Mata, Alexis Sanchez or Anthony Martial competing on the opposite flank.
All attack 4-3-3
Manchester United could adopt Jurgen Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation at Liverpool and deploy three attackers in a free-flowing formation. The front three will likely consist of Manduzkic, Dybala and Rashford, with the last two featuring in a wider role.
But, it rarely matters since all three of these players will be in charge of interchanging positions and play a free-flowing role in the attack. Rashford and Dybala, in particular, are blessed with immense technical skill and could thrive in this formation.
However, it’s probably fair to point out that the ageing Mandzukic might be not the best fit since he is more comfortable operating as a target man. Swapping him for Dybala and deploying Sanchez on the wings could be a better idea.
Solskjaer’s favourite 4-1-3-2
Solskjaer used the 4-1-3-2 on many occasions last season. It allowed him to deploy both Rashford and Lukaku in a central role while either McTominay or Matic sat in at the base of the formation.
However, the departure of Pogba could be necessary if the Norwegian wants to continue with this shape in the new season. The Frenchman is a central midfielder, which means he can’t occupy the wider role and will instead have to operate in the number ten slot. And that clashes with Dybala’s favoured attacking midfield role, thus creating a conflict.
As for two attacker upfront, Mandzukic will replace Lukaku and will partner Rashford. The Croatian’s physical presence will complement the technicality and pace of Rashford.
