In a bid to revamp Manchester United’s defensive line, newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim is urging the club to sign Benfica’s highly-rated defender Tomas Araujo.
Man Utd Boss Amorim Pushes for January Deal with ‘Elite’ Araujo
With a new 3-4-3 system emphasizing ball possession and control, Amorim’s tactical shift necessitates greater defensive depth, especially with key defenders Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof out of contract come summer.
The 22-year-old Araujo, who recently made his debut for the Portuguese national team, has caught the eye of several top clubs in Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain and Crystal Palace.
Standing tall at 6ft 2in, Araujo’s impressive passing abilities and composure on the ball make him a perfect fit for Amorim’s system, which prioritizes technical prowess and control.
Described as “elite” in his positioning and consistency, Araujo’s statistics this season speak volumes.
With an 87.2% pass accuracy and averaging 6.46 progressive passes per 90 minutes, he is a key asset in building plays from the back.
His defensive contributions are equally noteworthy, boasting 2.28 tackles and 1.27 interceptions per 90 minutes, alongside 2.91 aerial duels won per game.
Amorim is set to hold a crucial transfer meeting with INEOS chiefs at Old Trafford on Friday, where he will advocate for the acquisition of Araujo.
A transfer fee of around £50 million is believed to be sufficient to secure the talented defender, although it remains uncertain if Benfica would part with one of their star players mid-season as they compete for the Primeira Liga title.
Adding to the complexity, United have also shown interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. However, his significant importance to Everton’s squad and their likely relegation battle make a mid-season transfer highly improbable.
As Manchester United prepares for their upcoming Premier League clash against Everton, Amorim’s first league game at Old Trafford, the defensive lineup remains strained with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof still recovering from injuries.
Interim solutions like Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw filling in at centre-back have been deployed, but the need for a solid, long-term option is apparent.
Araujo’s potential arrival could mark a new chapter in United’s defensive strategy, aligning with Amorim’s vision for a more controlled and possession-oriented team.
The January transfer window could thus be pivotal for the Red Devils as they look to reinforce their squad and adapt to the new managerial approach under Amorim.
