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Manchester United are linked with a move for Barcelona ace Araujo

Ronald Araújo - FC Barcelona

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo as per the report in Spanish outlet Sport

The Red Devils are looking for a squad overhaul in the summer and strengthening their defence is one of the priorities for the club’s hierarchy. With Harry Maguire struggling to showcase his best this season and Raphael Varane struggling with his injury problems, Victor Lindelof is the only consistent performer in this campaign. 

Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, are the other two options who have failed to break into the starting eleven of the interim boss Ralf Rangnick. 

According to the report, Barcelona are struggling to finalize a new deal with Ronald Araujo whose current contract will expire in 2023. The Blaugrana have offered a fee of around £2.5 million a year in salary to the Uruguayan but the player wants around £5 million a year in salary to sign an extension. 

The report further claims that if both parties fail to find an agreement then Barcelona could be ready to sell the youngster in the summer and Manchester United are among the interested parties in signing the talented youngster. 

Will Ronald Araujo be a good fit for Manchester United? 

Manchester United are in search of a new permanent manager. And Erik Ten Hag is reportedly leading the race to become the next Red Devils boss. The Dutchman likes to play with a possession-based style of football. Therefore, players need to be technically sound and comfortable with the possession in order to start under the 52-year-old. 

Ronald Araujo will be a perfect candidate for that role. As he is showcasing his prowess under Xavi Hernandez who has a similar philosophy to Erik Ten Hag. Meanwhile, the Dutchman likes to deploy a high defensive line to squeeze the opposition high up the pitch. 

So, the centre backs need to be tactically aware of his positioning and his role. Moreover, quick centre-backs will have an edge to start under Ten Hag. So, Maguire might struggle to play regularly under the Dutchman. 

Meanwhile, following Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur’s victory in the weekend. Manchester United have slipped down to the sixth position in the table. The Red Devils have accumulated 50 points in 29 games. Four points behind the fourth-placed Arsenal having played one extra game. 

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