In a revealing interview, Paulo Dybala has opened up about why his highly anticipated move to Manchester United in 2019 ultimately collapsed. The Argentine forward, who eventually joined AS Roma, was on the verge of completing a transfer to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, but various factors led to the deal falling through.
Dybala, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, explained that while he was initially excited by the possibility of playing in the Premier League under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, personal and contractual complications made the deal unfeasible. The 30-year-old revealed that despite the negotiations between Juventus and Manchester United progressing, issues surrounding his image rights and a change in the player’s role within the team played a significant part in the failure of the move.
“At that moment, it seemed like the right step for me,” Dybala stated. “Manchester United is a massive club, and the idea of playing in the Premier League was very attractive. But there were too many details that weren’t aligned. I had issues with my image rights, and the contracts weren’t moving as smoothly as I’d hoped. It was a complex situation.”
The failed move came after Dybala had a standout season with Juventus, helping the team secure multiple domestic titles. However, despite his individual success, Dybala faced fierce competition for starting positions at the Italian club, and it seemed that both Juventus and United saw the potential for a new chapter for the player.
Dybala went on to discuss the disappointment of the deal falling apart but noted that it ultimately led him to a successful spell at Roma, where he has flourished under José Mourinho. His move to the Italian capital in 2022 was a fresh start that allowed him to become the focal point of the attack, something he admits he struggled to achieve in Turin due to the heavy competition.
“The experience with Roma has been fulfilling,” he said. “Sometimes life has its own plans, and looking back, I’m happy with how things turned out. I didn’t go to Manchester, but I’ve found my place here.”
While Dybala’s time at Manchester United never materialized, the forward continues to play at a high level, enjoying regular first-team action with Roma and maintaining a prominent role with the Argentina national team. Fans of the Premier League club may still wonder what might have been, but for now, Dybala is focused on continuing to excel in Serie A.
Leave a Reply