Manchester United can take gamble on Paulo Dybala if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves

It was reported last weekend that Cristiano Ronaldo had asked to leave Manchester United this summer as the club were failing to meet his ambitions. It seems that even the appointment of Erik ten Hag isn't enough to tempt the Portuguese forward to remain at Old Trafford, even if he only returned last season.

The Manchester Evening News understands that United are adamant that Ronaldo is not for sale this summer, which became clear when reports emerged that Jorge Mendes had spoken to both Chelsea and Bayern Munich about a possible transfer. They expect their No.7 to fulfil his contract which expires in 2023 and be part of the squad for the next campaign.

But what if they are forced to sell Ronaldo? What if the club accept that keeping a player who doesn't want to be at United could be detrimental to the rebuild under Ten Hag?

The answer could lie with Ronaldo's former Juventus teammate Paulo Dybala. The Argentinian is available on a free transfer this summer after his contract with the Bianconeri expired and, if United do not have the ability to spend big, then he could provide a reasonable option.

Dybala would likely ask for a significant wage packet from United, which might be a slight stumbling block but at 28 years old, he still has a decent chunk of his career ahead of him and plenty to offer. He is also versatile, being able to play up front, as a No.10 and off the right-wing.

Dybala's career at Juventus has been up and down. He enjoyed a career-best season in 2017/18 with 22 goals and five assists in Serie A, but once Ronaldo joined he suffered a significant dip in form with his best tally being 11 goals and six assists in 2019/20.

This was followed by another disappointing season, but after Ronaldo's departure at the start of last season, Dybala again registered 10 goals and five assists in Serie A but also three goals and one assist in the Champions League. He also looked rejuvenated linking up well with his teammates and bringing them into the game.

If Ten Hag wants to play with a false nine system — similar to during the 2018/19 season when he played Dusan Tadic up front during their Champions League campaign — then Dybala may be able to play a similar role. It all depends on what United want, and if Ronaldo does depart.