Manchester United have identified Ronald Araujo as a key target this summer to rebuild Ruben Amorim’s defensive unit but will face competition from Bayern Munich for the Uruguayan centre-back, according to a report from Spain.
Fichajes reveal Old Trafford officials view Araujo, 26, as the “leader they need to improve a defence that has shown weaknesses through the season.”
The midseason shift from Erik ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 system to Amorim’s trademark 3-4-2-1 set-up has not produced the positive effect INEOS had hoped when they made the decision to dismiss the Dutch manager in October.
However, United remain intent on sticking with Amorim and will seek to help the former Sporting CP coach overhaul his first-team squad this summer; with a defensive powerhouse like Araujo seen as a “key piece” of the process.
Amorim’s system is reliant upon an aggressive backline, capable of pushing up high to squeeze the pitch and suffocate the opposition. The wing-backs fly forward in transition to offer width while a central pivot must be supported by both the defence and attack to not be outnumbered by more traditional three-man midfields.
This requires centre-backs with speed and strength who are unafraid of covering large spaces behind them. Out of the existing cohort of defenders at Old Trafford, Leny Yoro is the only out-and-out centre-back blessed with good mobility.
As such, Fichajes contends, the Red Devils have made the decision to “go all out” for Araujo given the Barcelona captain offers this potent pairing of physicality and pace, while also retaining excellent ball-playing skills and, above all, leadership.
The report states United are “willing to present an offer of around 80 million” for the Uruguayan international’s services in an effort to ward off interest from elsewhere in Europe.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also believed to be considering a move for the 25-year-old defender but would not be willing to match this blockbuster offer from Manchester. Fichajes states this “could leave [Bayern] at a disadvantage”.
However, the report stresses that Araujo’s decision to leave Camp Nou would “depend on several factors: the player’s desire, the project presented to him, and, especially, Barca’s financial situation.”
The prospect of playing at the Allianz Arena, for a reigning champion who will be a strong contender in next season’s Champions League, versus Old Trafford with a club languished in 15th in the league table, is likely to be an easy one for Araujo to decide on.
But this is why United are reportedly willing to go above and beyond in their financial package to secure the defender’s services ahead of more attractive proposals elsewhere, with Fichajes asserting the “battle for Araujo is on” and that the Reds have “struck the first blow.”
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Darragh Fox Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
