Maxi Araujo: Man United ramp up pursuit of Sporting CP wizard | OneFootball

Manchester United remain interested in Maxi Araujo after dispatching scouts to watch the Sporting CP wizard in action at the World Cup this week, according to a report from Portugal.

Reinforcements Out Wide

With a £39 million deal already struck for Atalanta enforcer Ederson, and talks ongoing to add West Ham maestro Mateus Fernandes to the mix, the Red Devils’ focus this summer is a major revamp in midfield. The loss of Casemiro will be a difficult one for Michael Carrick to overcome without a capable successor, given Manuel Ugarte has failed his audition to take the reins from the 34-year-old Brazilian.

But United are also targeting reinforcements on the left-hand flank, with full-backs and wingers both under consideration. A decision on the long-term position of Patrick Dorgu will likely decide which position is prioritised.

The 21-year-old Dane has been reinvented as a rampaging wide man under Carrick, scoring three goals in his last three starts on the left wing under the 44-year-old coach. It is increasingly felt he will remain stationed further forward next year, meaning a new left-back will be needed to compete with Luke Shaw.

Despite Shaw remaining fit for the entirety of last season, there is tacit recognition his body will be unable to replicate this feat with the increased workload of European football.

Wing Wizard

As such, a younger alternative, with a much better engine and more attacking threat, is being explored by Manchester United. Lewis Hall is understood to be a leading target, though Newcastle United would be loath to lose the 21-year-old to a direct rival.

This has led INEOS to identify other left-backs on the continent. Nathaniel Brown was one option with admirers in M16 before the Germany international sealed a move to Bayern Munich, while Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde is another, though the Catalan native wants to remain at Camp Nou.

Consequently, Araujo – Sporting CP’s 26-year-old flying full-back – is climbing the ranks at Old Trafford after a superb season in Portugal. This form has translated into a strong start to the World Cup with Uruguay, where United have dispatched scouts to watch the Montevideo native in action, according to Portuguese newspaper Record (as relayed by Sport Witness).

Despite La Celeste drawing their opening two games against Saudi Arabia and Capo Verde with poor performances, Araujo has shone, returning two goals and one assist. Interestingly, Marco Bielsa has deployed him as more of a left-winger in both games, affording him the freedom to bomb forward and utilise his excellent technique.

This ability to be decisive in the final third, with the athleticism and engine to track back, has been evident throughout his time in Lisbon. He racked up seven goals and six assists in all competitions for Sporting CP last season, playing a crucial role in their impressive run to the Champions League quarter-finals.

It’s little wonder United are stepping up their interest, with Record claiming the Red Devils are now “tightening their grip” on a deal for the all-action dynamo. Both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are mentioned as suitors as well, though Atletico Madrid are said to have cooled their interest.

A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed INEOS had made contact with the player’s camp last month to explore a potential switch. However, Sporting CP are planning fresh talks over a contract extension when Araujo returns from North America. His current contract, which contains a £68 million release clause, has three years remaining on it, strengthening the Lions’ negotiating position.

However, Record states Sporting CP would “open negotiations” if an offer worth around £51m was tabled, suggesting an exit from the José Alvalade Stadium could be sealed if United escalate their interest. The report concludes that the Red Devils “have the funds to make a bid.”

Final Thoughts

While there can often be concerns over an import from a ‘weaker’ league arriving in England, the fact that Araujo was the most impressive player on the pitch across the two legs in the Champions League against Arsenal quells these doubts.

The Uruguayan possesses a potent pairing of physical and technical qualities, with a wand of a left foot and a combative approach that sees him shy away from nothing. If a £51m deal can be struck to bring his energy and quality to the left-hand side of Manchester United’s squad, it will prove a costly, but wise, investment.

Featured image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social