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Manchester United urged to sign the perfect Juan Mata replacement by ESPN pundit
MANCHESTER UNITED should replace Juan Mata with Juventus forward Paulo Dybala, according to Liverpool legend Steve Nicol.
Man Utd: Dybala 'perfect' replacement for Mata says pundit
Dybala has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United after a frustrating season at Juventus
Former Spain international Mata looks likely to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, with his contract coming to an end.
And Nicol admits Dybala is likely to attract a huge fee but says it would be a necessary signing as United look to rebuild their squad under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“This is a strange one,” Nicol told ESPN FC.
Certainly going forward Dybala, for me, Juan Mata for example, who’s going to be leaving, he’s better than him
“There’s no question Dybala’s got ability.
“But if you look at Serie A, five goals and four assists in a Juventus team who are way, way ahead of everybody else.
“So I’m not quite sure how much Man United would be prepared to buy this guy for, but I think he would help them.
“All you can do is replace players with better ones.
“And certainly going forward Dybala, for me, Juan Mata for example, who’s going to be leaving, he’s better than him.
“United have to start recruiting, they have to do it quickly.
“I think Dybala, at 25 years old, the perfect age to go to Man United.
“Well no they haven’t [got enough money to buy a whole new team].
“Listen, Man United probably need seven or eight players.
“But, they have to bring in quality and quality costs.
“So you can’t expect to rejig the whole side in one window.
“This is going to take two or three windows but Dybala would be a great start, no question. Great player.”