Ronald Araujo acknowledges Manchester United’s interest but asserts his complete focus on Barcelona.
The Uruguayan defender, recognized as one of Europe’s top center-backs, has attracted longstanding admiration from United.
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As of 2024, with uncertainty surrounding Raphael Varane’s future, the Premier League side aims to secure a long-term defensive option.
Lisandro Martinez faced a season plagued by injuries, leading Erik ten Hag to rotate between Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof at various points.
Araujo, addressing speculation about his future, acknowledged awareness of Manchester’s interest.
Despite Barcelona’s challenging financial situation sparking transfer rumors, he emphasizes maintaining focus on his current responsibilities at Camp Nou.
‘In every transfer window there are rumours of all kinds. It’s normal,’ Araujo said.
‘The only thing I can say is that I’m focused on the team and also on this club. I’m comfortable here and I always try to give everything for this shirt.
‘They are always rumours that appear in all markets. There was talk in the summer about Manchester United, but I am focused on Barca. And I will always give one hundred percent.’
Rio Ferdinand, a legendary figure at United, has identified Araujo as one of the two center-backs the club should target in 2024.
Despite this endorsement, the former England international cautions that the Barcelona star would be undertaking a significant career risk if he chooses to move to Old Trafford.
‘If I’m a player like Ronald who I think has every attribute to be one of the best defenders in the world, why are you going United?’ Ferdinand told Vibe with Five last month.
‘I’d be looking at Varane and going if he can go to Manchester United and get benched for a left-back, or for an old veteran like Jonny Evans an ex-player who has come back for his twilight years and someone who used to be captain who was left out for 18 months but is back in form now and is playing, I can’t go there and risk my life and risk my career.’
