Juventus player ratings vs Manchester United: Dybala delivers dominant win

Federico Bernardeschi 6/10

I just don’t know what he needs to do to earn starts in this lineup. When Costa got suspended and then injured it seemed pretty clear that Bernardeschi would take over at right wing, but Allegri wasted Dybala there. When Dybala got hurt on international duty it seemed impossible for Bernardeschi not to get the start. It went to Cuadrado. Cuadrado was average in that match and Dybala was forced to start at striker against United so the right wing had to be Bernardeschi’s in this match, right? Nope. Instead his great work throughout this season was rewarded with another 17 minute cameo. By the time he came on Juve wasn’t actively chasing goals anymore, limiting what Bernardeschi could actually contribute. It’s simply disappointing that a player who showed so much talent early in the season is now being completely disregarded.

Andrea Barzagli 6/10

Andrea Barzagli was only in this match for 14 minutes and wasn’t asked to do much. He didn’t get burnt by either of United’s speedy wings. That’s enough to earn him an average grade, but he didn’t really need to do enough to get much else.

Douglas Costa: Incomplete

Costa was only on the field for 8 minutes in a match where Juve was protecting a lead. It’s pretty tough to ask him to do much in that situation so this appearance really just boils down to a quick appearance for him to get his legs back under him after a long absence.

Manager: Massimiliano Allegri 8/10

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Juventus got the win in this match, but Massimiliano Allegri really took a risk with the lineup he chose. Yes, Paulo Dybala did end up scoring, but he doesn’t tend to play well as a lone striker in a 4-3-3. This match was a perfect opportunity to play 4-3-1-2 with Ronaldo and Dybala up front and Bernardeschi behind them. Bernardeschi showed against Young Boys that it’s a role he could be successful in and Dybala is at his best in a strike partnership. It also had the added benefit of possibly being able to isolate Ronaldo against one of United’s center backs. I know, it probably seems like I’m nitpicking after Juve won at one of football’s most storied grounds, but Mario Mandzukic getting injured again throughout the season is a real possibility.

If the 32 year old gets hurt again then Juve needs to have a backup plan in place and the formation they played in this match shouldn’t be it.