Manchester United should be chasing Paulo Dybala instead of Antoine Griezmann

Transfer speculation never sleeps, and with the January window approaching, rumors have been given new life. Rumors involving a Manchester United move for Antoine Griezmann have persisted for the past year, but with Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban being invoked Griezmann has extended his stay with Los Rojiblancos.

However, with the new rumors comes the intriguing prospect of signing Paulo Dybala, Juventus’ Argentine centre forward who has emerged as one of the most valued goal creators and scorers in football. In Manchester United’s case it may make more sense to make a move for Dybala rather than Griezmann given the makeup of the current squad following Mourinho’s summer transfer signings.

The arrival of Romelu Lukaku changed the conversation about Manchester United’s positional needs. United now have a reliable striking option, and with the return of Zlatan Ibrahimović, a move for a striker like Griezmann wouldn’t make sense unless he was to be utilized as a winger or centre forward. Griezmann certainly has the skillset to be either, but he is at his most dangerous when he is leading the line.

Dybala, on the other hand, would fit perfectly into United’s lineup playing the no. 10 role behind Lukaku. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata have both played well in that position, but it could be argued that their best form has been on the wing, especially considering the dramatic dip in form from Mkhitaryan playing in the middle.

Dybala, like Griezmann, has established friendship and chemistry on the pitch with Paul Pogba, who many see as the new leader in the ranks at United, and is a favorite to replace Wayne Rooney as a long-term club captain. Their reunion could complete a fearsome triangle of Dybala, Pogba, and Matić in the center of the park.

Speaking of replacing Wayne Rooney, United’s no. 10 shirt may currently be occupied by Ibrahimović, but Dybala fits more naturally behind the no. 9 than both Griezmann and Ibrahimović. Dybala would also add another star name to United’s new generation of talent that already boasts Pogba, Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial, and his arrival wouldn’t displace any of said stars like Griezmann’s arrival would.