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RUBEN AMORIM has commenced initiatives aimed at bolstering his Manchester United defense.
The newly appointed United manager is keen on Benfica’s rising star, Tomas Araujo, 22, and is preparing to chase a £50million transfer for the central defender when the transfer window opens again in January.
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Amorim is expected to meet with the decision-makers at Old Trafford on Friday to deliberate on a possible acquisition of Araujo.
Araujo has emerged as a central figure for the Portuguese club this season, partnering with former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi.
The Red Devils are grappling with significant injury issues in their defensive lineup this season, prompting Amorim to eye his compatriot, who recently earned his first international cap.
Araujo, raised in the Benfica academy, attracted interest from Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain during the last summer transfer window.
However, Benfica’s board flatly rejected those advances, despite ongoing attention from several top European clubs.
This season, he has made eight starts in the Portuguese league, notching up one assist and playing a vital part in aiding Bruno Lage’s squad bounce back after Roger Schmidt’s exit in October.
Since Araujo secured a steady place in the starting eleven, Benfica has suffered only one defeat, and he has also featured in the last four Champions League matches.
Insiders indicate that Amorim has singled out Araujo as he embarks on his mission to rebuild United.
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Standing at 6 ft 2, Araujo embodies the attributes Amorim seeks—he is a skilled passer with robust physical traits and significant potential for further development.
He is versatile enough to play centrally or on the right side of defense and is hailed as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Portugal’s prestigious academy since current Manchester City star Ruben Dias.
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This young Portuguese talent has a release clause set at 100 million euros, a reflection of Benfica’s assessment of him as an invaluable asset.
Sources indicate that super agent Jorge Mendes, famed for guiding the careers of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, is keen to establish a working relationship with Amorim.
However, the Old Trafford boss intends to preserve his own methods.
A close confidant of Amorim informed SunSport: “Ruben wants all stakeholders to share a unified vision. He will not compromise his working style.”
Amorim needs A LOT of time on the training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie Wyett
In theory, the only direction is upwards for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.
We are approaching a third of the Premier League season, and it remains astonishing to see United lingering in 12th place.
They have secured just four wins, with a goal difference of zero. Only Everton, Crystal Palace, and Southampton have scored fewer goals.
This placement is unmistakably reflective of their performance, and a draw against Ipswich revealed the significant hurdles Ruben Amorim must overcome.
Supporters chanted the name of their new manager throughout the match.
They also showed appreciation for the players at the end, and although this performance was an improvement from previous outings, expectations were low.
Fans hopeful of the club may note that their team is only six points shy of the top four. Ultimately, however, it appears challenging to envision United replicating last season’s eighth-place finish as their form seemingly declines.
The team’s makeshift defense is likely to improve—and a three-man backline could provide some relief—but concerns linger about where the goals will come from. Marcus Rashford found the net within 81 seconds but thereafter became invisible on the pitch.
Both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee came on in the second half but failed to make an impact. Supporters have voiced their discontent over these signings, with many preferring Ipswich’s Liam Delap.
Amorim did not celebrate Rashford’s goal; instead, he appeared anxious in his technical area.
He frequently called players over during stoppages to provide tactical instructions.
Alejandro Garnacho approached the sidelines multiple times, and discussions were held with Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, and Jonny Evans.
An enthusiastic manager, Amorim remains hopeful that he can instill his strategies in the team as the weeks progress.
Nevertheless, he faces the challenge of this being the first of ten matches within a demanding 33-day timeframe.
What he truly needs is uninterrupted time on the training field without midweek games, but that opportunity seems limited.
