He'd revive Onana: Man Utd ready bid for "one of the best CBs in the world"

Manchester United’s Premier League campaign in 2024/25 has been one to forget, with the side set to finish in their lowest-ever position, along with the lowest points tally.

Ruben Amorim’s men currently sit in 15th place with just three games remaining, seeing all focus switch onto their prospect of claiming a Europa League triumph come the end of the season.

The Red Devils have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per 90 to date, undoubtedly playing a key role in their inability to rise up the table after the manager’s appointment back in November.

However, they still have the opportunity to end the season on a high, currently in a European semi-final and holding a 3-0 advantage over Athletic Club following the away leg.

Should they go all the way and win the competition, they will secure Champions League qualification, with added squad depth needed to compete at the top level of European football next campaign.

An update on United’s hunt for new additions

Given the summer transfer window is now just around the corner, numerous links have emerged, including that of Liam Delap, who has been touted as the club’s top target for the attacking department.

The Ipswich Town talisman has netted 12 goals in his 34 appearances in 2024/25, but looks set to leave Kieran McKenna’s side after their relegation back to the Championship, which has seen the forward’s £30m release clause become active.

However, despite the improvements in forward areas, the backline is also in need of investment, potentially coming in the form of Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to reports in Spain.

It states that the Red Devils are currently preparing a £68m bid for the Uruguayan international, who has made 22 appearances across all competitions for the LaLiga giants.

The report also claims that he’s hugely admired by staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford, potentially being a key piece in their rebuild, which desperately needs to happen this summer if they are to move in the right direction.

Why United’s £68m target could revive Andre Onana

Goalkeeper Andre Onana was seen as the man to take United to the next level after arriving back in the summer of 2023, replacing fan-favourite David de Gea in the process.

His ball-playing attributes were seen as a key attribute to help the side progress, but the move up until now has been a disaster, often producing a clanger which has resulted in their lowly league standing.

The Senegalese has made five errors leading to goals across all competitions, with his mistakes against Lyon nearly putting the side out of the tournament and ending any hopes of a trophy.

Questions have been asked about his long-term future at Old Trafford as a result, with it unclear whether Amorim will stick or twist with the former Inter Milan shot-stopper in 2025/26.

However, he could be revived at the club, especially if the side are to bolster their backline with a move for Araujo, with the 26-year-old having the defensive qualities to improve the situation.

The Uruguayan, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the world” by Carles Puyol, has starred this season despite his lack of action, registering two combined goals and assists.

He’s also starred at the back, completing 91% of passes, handing United a composed presence at the back and undoubtedly taking the pressure off Onana at the back.

Araujo has also impressed out of possession, winning 1.9 tackles per 90 and making 1.5 blocks per 90 – preventing the ball from getting through and facing Onana between the sticks.

Defensive solidity is desperately needed at Old Trafford, enabling Amorim to take the side to the next level and hopefully make him a success during his tenure at the club.

The deals they make over the next couple of months will be crucial, needing to sign the right players to take them back towards glory, with Araujo the man who could massively bolster the defensive department.

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