Manchester United: 3 ways Paulo Dybala could fit in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's system

With Romelu Lukaku almost certain to join Inter Milan this summer, the series of events took a u-turn as Juventus entered the race for securing the Belgian's services. Inter Milan have struggled throughout the transfer market to match the 26-year-old's valuation.

However, Juventus have come up with an offer which benefits both parties, offering Paulo Dybala in a swap deal including Romelu Lukaku. The deal has progressed at a brisk pace, with approval needed from the Argentine's side to materialise the transfer, as reports suggest.

If the deal goes through, manager Ole Gunnar Solskajer will be more than happy to have one of the world's best forwards in his Manchester United squad. Also, the Norwegian tactician should find a way to fit the Argentina international in his system.

Thus far, in the pre-season, Solskjaer has reverted to his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation and looks set to persist with it throughout the course of next campaign. Keeping Dybala's potential arrival at Old Trafford in mind, let's glance through the three ways Paulo could fit in Ole's Manchester United system.

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#3 Right Wing:

Paulo Dybala occupying the right flank.

Ole could use Paulo Dybala to address the United squad's long-term issue - the absence of an out-and-out right-winger. For Juventus, the 25-year-old is seldom used on the wings although, for the national side, La Joya is often deployed on the right-wing to compensate for Lionel Messi, who occupies a more central role.

Often, Paulo struggles when he plays as a winger but, the license to switch positions for the attackers will ensure that Dybala is not rooted to the touchline for long. Also, the Argentinian will have a greater chance to pull-off his favoured move- cutting inside from the wider areas to approach the box, and have a shot on goal.

#2 Central Attacking Midfield

Paulo Dybala deployed in a number ten role.

Number ten is the position which suits Dybala the most. Operating centrally allows the Argentina international to make late runs into the box and occupy threatening positions in the opposition box. The statistics suggest that Paulo is most lethal when deployed as a number ten.

In the 2017/18 season, Dybala operated in a hole behind the two strikers Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain, plundering 26 goals and seven assists. Also, against Barcelona in the 2016/17 campaign, arguably his best Champions League performance in a Juventus shirt, came while playing in a hole behind the strikers.

After the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, Massimilano Allegri shifted to a 4-3-3 system, often deploying Paulo on the right flank.

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#1 Centre Forward

Man United's shape when Dybala leads their attack.

It is a known fact that Paulo Dybala is not an orthodox striker but, a false nine who masters dragging the opposing defenders out of space. His goal against Manchester United in the Champions League last season was an epitome of finding through perfectly timed runs. Ole has publicly expressed his admiration for Dybala.

Dybala, with his vibrancy and finesse, could easily thrive in the mobile and industrious playing style which Solskjaer is trying to implement at Old Trafford next season. Also, Paulo's clever movement in the opposition box could help the Red Devils against the big teams, against whom their attacks have lacked the bite in recent times.

All in all, the attacking positions won't matter much in Solskjaer's fluid system. The cohesion and relationship among players are the most important and a world-class player like Paulo Dybala could easily gel with exciting players like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and others.