Manchester United’s business in the transfer market over the last decade has left a lot to be desired, with many top players failing to live up to their billing at Old Trafford.
The club have also missed out on potential targets who may have improved their sagging fortunes on the pitch.
Argentinian striker Paulo Dybala is one of the names United have been linked with in the past but failed to sign and the 30-year-old has opened up on how close a deal was.
As reported by the The Athletic, Dybala confirmed United’s interest back in 2019 which would have involved a swap deal for Romelu Lukaku. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge of United at the time.
“That summer (2019), I remember there was an approach from Manchester United as well as Tottenham, but it was more Manchester because Juve wanted to make that move,” said Dybala.
Juventus chief football officer at the time, Fabio Paratici, was keen for the deal to materialise but after talks with the incoming manager, Dybala opted to stay put.
He subsequently went on to have what he described as his “best year” in football.
“It was the season Juve appointed (Maurizio) Sarri, so I spoke to him to find out if he really didn’t want me on the team.
“After our chat, my intention was to stay. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay because I was happy (in Turin),” he said.
Dybala has since moved to AS Roma and was part of Argentina’s World Cup winning squad in 2022.
Meanwhile, United have continued to struggle to find the perfect centre-forward but will be hoping Rasmus Hojlund can build on his promising debut season and crack the code in a position that carries enormous pressure.
Incidentally, the Argentine has once again been linked with a move to Old Trafford but it is unlikely to pan out since United are searching for a powerhouse striker instead of a versatile forward.
Erik ten Hag and his troops will be looking for major improvements next year after registering the club’s lowest-ever finish in the Premier League this time out.
