In what could prove to be their most astute acquisition under Ruben Amorim to date, Manchester United are reportedly preparing a move to sign a Barcelona defender this summer – and at a significantly reduced fee.

Amorim Refuses to Sugar-Coat United’s Decline

While some managers may have rushed to defend Manchester United amid their poor domestic form, Amorim has taken a refreshingly candid, if uncompromising, approach since taking the helm at Old Trafford. The former Sporting CP manager’s brutal honesty continued earlier this week ahead of the second leg against Athletic Bilbao.

Speaking on United’s European aspirations, Amorim said:

"At the moment, if you look at the Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results. That’s my opinion. By the end of the season, we could become the worst team in Premier League history to win a European trophy."

"So we won’t pretend otherwise. We know this season has been disappointing. That doesn’t change. I still believe it has been the club’s worst campaign in the last 50 years."

Amorim, perhaps more than his predecessors, appears fully aware of the monumental challenge facing him at United. The club’s domestic decline has been stark, slipping well out of contention for the title and struggling even to cling to a top-six finish. Financially too, they face increasing pressure to remain competitive.

Sweeping changes are expected in the summer – and those changes could begin with a high-profile signing from La Liga. While the deal appears ambitious on paper, reports of a major price reduction could boost United’s hopes of securing the player.

United Preparing Move for Araujo

According to Spanish reports, Manchester United are readying a move for Ronald Araujo, following news that the Barcelona defender may be available for a reduced fee of just €50 million (£42 million). Alongside Juventus and Bayern Munich, United are reportedly among the front-runners for the Uruguayan’s signature.

This comes as a welcome development for the Red Devils, with previous reports suggesting a valuation as high as €80 million (£68 million). Barcelona now appear open to offloading Araujo following his underwhelming performance in their dramatic 7–6 aggregate loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals.

If accurate, the Catalan club’s decision could allow United to complete the deal with relative ease. It’s a surprisingly cut-throat move from Barcelona, particularly given the praise Araujo has earned during his time at the club.

Even Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has lauded Araujo in the past, stating:

"It has to be Araujo – he’s the toughest defender I’ve faced. He’s very good and very strong. That’s why he plays for Barça."