As another year passes by where it looks like Manchester United might move away from big name signings with questionable fits in the side, the links to Paulo Dybala feel somewhat ironic.
The Argentine has now left Juventus as a free agent, and his representatives have reportedly spoken to those in charge at Old Trafford.
Paulo Dybala has previously played with Cristiano Ronaldo and the now departed Paul Pogba in Turin, although ironically it is the one that has left United that he operated more effectively with than the one who remains of the two.
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The 28-year-old is undoubtedly a top footballer who has displayed world class quality for a number of years, and it is difficult for fans to say no to the idea of him at Manchester United.
He is extremely technically proficient, has a good eye for a pass, scores some excellent goals cutting in on his left foot and from dead ball situations, and his general playstyle is an attractive one.
These are some of the reasons to say yes to having said player at the club. Said with tongue and cheak, most importantly of all, perhaps, is bringing the player for his iconic ‘Gladiator’ celebration, which would no doubt be an instant hit with the crowd.
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Positionally, where he fits in the team is not so straightforward. Dybala generally operates best as a second striker, in a position where Donny van de Beek thrives through his off-ball movement, with Dybala thriving here through his ability to run an attack.
Dybala has shown proficiency in playing off the right in the past, a position in which United are in need of reinforcement, and even leading the line on occasion too. Erik ten Hag has previously operated with a ‘false nine’ in Europe, with Dušan Tadić playing in this role effectively for him.
“La Joya'', as he is affectionately known, has some qualities and characteristics that would suit this role very well following some tactical refinement from the coaching staff. Although it must be said this option would only be used should Cristiano Ronaldo depart the club.
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It is unlikely Dybala would be used in the No.10 position, with Bruno Fernandes’ number switch being an indication that the club do not see themselves replacing him in this position in the near future.
This positional uncertainty could go one of two ways with regards to the signing of Dybala. It could either provide the club with a solution to a problem that comes in the form of a world class player, for cheaper than other options on the market.
Alternatively, it could not work out much like many recent big name stars to join the club, and Dybala could end up going down as yet another top talent that was wasted at Old Trafford.
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Another concern is Dybala’s injury record in recent times, which has not been the best. Whilst not quite ‘injury prone’ – he still started 26 and appeared in a further three games for Juventus in league play last season – he hasn’t got the most inspiring of records.
Financially, this signing would be lighter on the club than expected. Paulo Dybala would come as a free agent, and his wage demands are around €6 million net per season, which comes to around £100,000 a week.
This would leave plenty of financial room for other signings, such as Christian Eriksen and Frenkie de Jong, with the former set to sign for the club and Manchester United being the favourite to sign the latter.
Dybala is not the only left footed Argentine that United have been linked to this summer, with the club officially having submitted an offer for Ajax’s Lisandro Martínez. The emergence of Alejandro Garnacho on top of this could have many wondering whether they are in Manchester or Mar del Plata next season.
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Signing Dybala would be a gamble, but for the quality of the player and lack of impact it would have on the club’s finances it is probably one worth taking if Ten Hag is able to extract his best qualities.
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Paulo Dybala, Erik Ten Hag, Juventus, Football, Transfers
Yusuf Haq