Man Utd Set Sights on Araujo if Europe Bid Succeeds | OneFootball

Champions League Path Key to Araujo Pursuit

Manchester United are preparing a bold move to sign Ronald Araujo from Barcelona – but only if they secure Champions League qualification via the Europa League route, sources in Spain claim.

While their domestic form has been dismal, hopes remain alive on the European front. United currently trail in 15th in the Premier League table, with their recent 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town summing up a campaign to forget. Yet, with a commanding 3-0 first-leg advantage over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals, the prospect of silverware and Champions League football next season is still within reach.

Should they lift the trophy, reports suggest manager Ruben Amorim is targeting Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo as his marquee signing to kickstart a defensive rebuild at Old Trafford.

Why Araujo Fits Amorim’s United Vision

Araujo is regarded as the ideal embodiment of Amorim’s tactical ideals – physically dominant, positionally intelligent, and driven by an uncompromising competitive edge. With uncertainty around his long-term role at the Camp Nou, the Uruguay international may be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

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Barcelona have seen strong performances from centre-backs Inigo Martinez and teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi, which could open the door for a potential summer exit for Araujo. Amorim, keen to build from the back, is reportedly prepared to bid in excess of €70 million to secure the defender’s signature – well aware that Barcelona are unlikely to part with him easily, and mindful of the player’s high release clause.

His entourage is said to be keeping a low profile, but concerns are reportedly growing about his lack of consistent starts. “If Barca doesn’t guarantee him that role, he could consider a change of scenery,” sources indicate.

Inside United’s Transfer Ambitions

With Amorim expected to receive backing for a significant summer overhaul if Champions League football is secured, Araujo has been “highlighted in red” as a top defensive priority. The club are said to be “planning an ambitious transfer window” should they return to Europe’s elite competition.

Amorim believes Araujo could become the cornerstone of a new era at Old Trafford, restoring the solidity and unity that once defined the club’s most formidable teams.

Calls for Mentality Shift at Old Trafford

Meanwhile, former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo has spoken candidly about the culture change at Manchester United since the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

“I always felt when we played Man United, they were a big group of solid friends – maybe not friends, but players who worked really hard for each other and it wasn’t acceptable to get beaten,” Flo told goldenpanda.com.

“They didn’t accept defeat. They always came back. They fought for each other. It wasn’t always that they had the absolute best players… But they fought for each other and always came back, they were always difficult to beat and they never slipped up… So yeah, they were stable, strong, and determined.”

His comments underscore the urgency with which Amorim is seeking to reshape United’s squad — not just in talent, but in mentality. Araujo, with his combative nature and winning pedigree, could be the symbolic start of that transition.