Ruben Amorim will face the biggest challenge of his professional management career next season, as he looks to take Manchester United back to their former glory.
The 40-year-old was appointed back in November last year, but was unable to transform their fortunes as they finished in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
However, he largely had to work with the players already at his disposal, with only Patrick Dorgu arriving as a senior first-team signing back in January.
Dorgu-1
This summer presents him with the opportunity to make the additions he wants to improve the current situation at Old Trafford, handing him the best possible chance of being a success in the role.
With the transfer window now in full swing, the hierarchy have wasted no time in backing Amorim in his quest, targeting numerous players in various areas of the pitch.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Hayden Hackney has been one of the main midfield targets for United throughout the course of the summer window, with it being revealed that the club have been seen scouting him in recent weeks at the U21 Euros.
As for the attacking department, Hugo Ekitiké is a player who was of keen interest a couple of weeks ago, but a deal has gone quiet ever since his asking price of £84m was revealed.
hugo-ekitike-frankfurt
However, the backline looks set to be the next department to be added to, with the Red Devils making progress in a deal to sign Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to a report in Spain via Football365.
It states that Amorim’s side have already made an offer for the Uruguayan defender, who’s currently valued at a bargain fee of just £38m by the LaLiga giants.
They also claim that Bayern Munich and Juventus are also looking to take advantage of the fee mentioned, with Hansi Flick looking to raise sales to sign Nico Williams this window.
Why United’s £38m target would be a more important addition than Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo has been a player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of weeks, with multiple offers being made for the Brentford talisman.
Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo
The first offer of £55m was swiftly rejected, but the second bid of £60m is still being considered, with only minor details needing to be ironed out before he can negotiate with Amorim’s side.
It’s been reported that the 25-year-old appears set to have his medical at the Red Devils next week, potentially becoming the club’s second addition of the window after Matheus Cunha.
There’s no doubt that given his tally of 20 league goals this season would improve the options at the manager’s disposal in the final third, offering him the attacking threat he’s craved in the role.
However, a move for Araujo this window would arguably be a more important one for the club, landing a star that would massively bolster another area of the pitch.
ronald-araujo-barcelona
It was confirmed that Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof would be leaving the club at the end of their current contracts, leaving a lack of depth within the defensive unit.
Additions to the defence are certainly needed if the Red Devils are to make the jump, with injuries showing how light the club was even before the aforementioned duo departed.
When delving into the Uruguayan’s stats from this season, he’s demonstrated the qualities he possesses with and without the ball, handing Amorim an elite-level option in his pursuit of glory.
Araujo, who’s been labelled a “monster” by teammate Eric Garcia, completed 92% of the passes he attempted, with 3.1 per 90 being into the final third - stats that could offer the club an opportunity to play out from the back when needed.
Ronald Araujo's stats for Barcelona in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Passes into final third
Tackle success rate
Aerial won
Interceptions made
Stats via FotMob
Without the ball, he’s been just as impressive, coming out on top of 75% of the tackles he’s entered, alongside 3.9 aerials won per 90, subsequently adding a quality option to the manager in such an area.
£38m for a 26-year-old entering the prime years of his career could prove to be an excellent signing for the Red Devils, bolstering their chances of success as a result.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
Given the interest from elsewhere this summer, they will have to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on his signature, with his addition potentially proving to be more important than Mbeumo’s.
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