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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Nathan Bliss

Manchester United's season predicted if Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku transfer swap happened

With just over a week to go until the summer transfer window shuts, Manchester United could seal a sensational swap deal with Juventus that will see Romelu Lukaku join the Turin side and Paulo Dybala move to Old Trafford.

However, the ball remains in the Argentine's court and a deal could go in either direction.

The forward may have had a mediocre season for the Serie A giants in 2018/19, but the 25-year-old remains an outstanding talent, having scored 78 goals and provided 30 assists in 182 appearances in his time with The Old Lady.

But if he joined, how many goals would Dybala get for United in the Premier League? And, would swapping Lukaku with Dybala impact United's league position in 2019/20?

We used Football Manager 2019 to have a bit of fun and try to predict United's future with Dybala.

Paulo Dybala - Manchester United

Current ability: 172/200 

Potential ability: 185/200 

Positions: AMC/ST/AMR/AML

Best attributes:  Technique (19), dribbling (18), first touch (18), free kick taking (18), flair (17), vision (17), agility (17), passing (16), long shots (16), penalty taking (16), corners (16), anticipation (16), acceleration (16).

(Football Manager 2019)

As you can see by his Football Manager 2019 profile, Paulo Dybala is one of the most exciting forward players in world football, with some incredibly strong technical attributes. In fact, Football Manager's description of Dybala is that he is an 'Elite Attacking Midfielder'.

To set up this simulation, we used a fan made editor file to sort out all the latest player transfers, manager changes, promotions, relegations, cup winners and playoff winners, to make the game as realistic as possible.

To set up the simulation, we inputted a future transfer of Dybala to United and Lukaku to Juventus, using the Football Manager 2019 editor.

Using a fan made editor file, we also updated all the latest transfers, manager changes, promotions and relegations, to make it as realistic as possible, including the likes of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. 

We then stopped United signing anyone else in-game, to see how much difference Dybala could make.

So how much difference would he make to United's performance in the 2019/20 season?

Here's what happened...

Paulo Dybala's 2019/20 season for Manchester United

Dybala had a fantastic season for United in 2019/20, scoring 17 goals and providing seven assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.

(Football Manager 2019)

The Argentine was particularly impressive in the Premier League, scoring 15 goals in 28 starts, contributing a further five assists, with an excellent average match rating of 7.60 overall.

Get all the latest FIFA, Football Manager and other gaming news here.

Dybala finished at the club's second-highest goalscorer, just behind Marcus Rashford.

(Football Manager 2019)

Paulo Dybala's best performance for Manchester United in 2019/20

Man City 0-2 Manchester United - December 2019

(Football Manager 2019)

Dybala made himself a United hero by scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Man City in December, with the Argentine running City ragged in their own back yard.

Manchester United's best XI in 2019/20

(Football Manager 2019)

Interestingly, Solskjaer preferred Dybala as a central striker, mostly playing as a false nine-style striker, with Mata and Sanchez either side.

Fred, Pogba and Matic featured most in midfield, with Wan-Bissaka making the right-back spot his own.

Manchester United's 2018/19 league position: 6th

Manchester United's 2019/20 league position: 3rd

Dybala's arrival helped United back into the Champions League places, but they were in the title race for most of the season too, with Liverpool and City eventually pulling clear.

(Football Manager 2019)

Romelu Lukaku's 2019/20 season for Juventus

We also looked at how Lukaku could get on at Juventus in 2019/20.

(Football Manager 2019)

The Belgian really strugged in Turin, making just five starts in all competitions and 16 appearances overall, as he scored eight goals.

(Football Manager 2019)

According to Football Manager 2019,  United would benefit massively from a swap deal involving Lukaku and Dybala, with the Argentine helping Solksjaer's side secure Champions League football in 2019/20.

The last week of the transfer window could be huge for United, particularly if this swap deal goes through.

       
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