- Man Utd eye a new left back
- Ruben Amorim gave him his break
- Why the Reds are interested
Manchester United are reportedly looking to strengthen their defence this summer. The latest name to emerge as a target is one of Ruben Amorim’s former defenders at Sporting CP.
While Amorim’s chapter at United is over, the club’s interest in his former centre-back is continuing to grow. Maxi Araujo is on the Reds’ radar as they look to bring in a left-back.
The Uruguayan has been impressive for the Portuguese side this season. But he does have a small backstory with rivals Manchester City. The 26-year-old has been attracting attention not only from the Old Trafford outfit but also from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United, claims Football Insider.
Man Utd interested in Araujo
Amorim’s move from Sporting to Manchester United inspired Araujo to follow the same. Araujo previously said he ‘hoped’ to join Pep Guardiola’s side. The turning point came with the side’s phenomenal 4-1 victory over City in the 2024 Champions League group stage.
The left-back had a brief conversation with Guardiola regarding a move to Ehiad after the game. And during the international break in South America, when the media revisited the incident, he said “I hope so, I hope so…”
United fans, therefore, might be reluctant to back a player who previously put the feelers out over a move to their neighbours. But this season, he has six goals and four assists in 43 appearances, with the Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal standing out as an impressive outing.
Though his contract runs until 2029 and contains a £69 million release clause, Sporting are open to a sale.
Can United go all in for Araujo?
United could be looking to add a bit of competition in the left-back role ahead of Champions League football. With Luke Shaw, the first choice in that position, the team needs depth to compete in multiple tournaments. GIVEMESPORT reports that Sporting would be willing to sell Araujo for around €50m (£43.2m) instead.
Though Shaw has started in every Premier League game, he has managed only 1 assist. This lack of attacking involvement could be a reason United is looking to fix by bringing in Araujo. The Liga Portugal star, on the other hand, has managed 4 assists in all competitions. Being involved in the attack is good, but defensively, he needs improvement.
On the bigger picture, United needs a complete player and cannot gamble with such an expensive buy. Currently, the club is not in a position to get a deal wrong, so they must be careful. His future, however, will be decided after the World Cup.
