10 duels won, 7 tackles & 7 recoveries: Man Utd must sign £35m Sporting CP star who starred vs Arsenal
Manchester United should explore a summer deal for Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo.
The Red Devils are poised to make multiple defensive signings during the next transfer window. A marquee holding midfielder is the main priority for the summer, but a centre-back could be signed too.
The club could also pursue another left-back to compete with Luke Shaw, given Patrick Dorgu has appeared more comfortable as a winger. The Dane has been vulnerable with his defensive positioning.
United are said to be ‘very interested‘ in signing Araujo from Sporting CP, and the Uruguayan star showed why he is highly rated with a standout showing for his club against Arsenal on Tuesday night.
Araujo came up against Noni Madueke in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. He won plenty of duels against the Englishman and also committed tactical fouls to frustrate the winger.
The 26-year-old also caught the eye with his recoveries. It was a similar case with Max Dowman. He managed to keep the Gunners wonderkid at bay and did not allow him a clear shot on goal.
Araujo finished the game by winning 10 duels and seven tackles. He also made seven recoveries. The left-back committed as many as seven fouls on the night and was very lucky to avoid a yellow card.
Still, the Uruguayan showcased his skills against one of the best teams in Europe. Aside from defensive contributions, Araujo also came closest to scoring for Sporting CP in the first half of the 1-0 loss.
Araujo hit the woodwork after a fine fingertip save by David Raya. The former Toluca man unleashed another long-range effort from outside the box, which went just above the Gunners’ crossbar.
In our view, Araujo would be a top-notch signing to compete with Luke Shaw for the left-back spot at United. At £35m, it appears a no-brainer decision for the Red Devils to purchase him this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .