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Ruben Amorim is to discuss transfer strategy with Manchester United as he has identified his first signing at Old Trafford. The head coach is intent on a move for his Portugal compatriot Tomas Araujo. The 22-year-old Benfica defender impressed Amorim while the latter was still managing Sporting CP, and a move to the Premier League could be underway.
Amorim was at the helm of Sporting CP since 2020 and saw Araujo break through the youth system in rival club Benfica. The youngster joined the first team in 2021 and has grown to become an instrumental part of the squad after coming back from a loan stint at Gil Vicente in 2023.
His performances have been there for everyone to see, and this year, he broke into the Portugal national team, making his debut during the November international break. The centre-back has already made a total of 37 first-team appearances for Benfica, scoring one goal and providing as many assist.
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Ruben Amorim has Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof as options for his three centre-back slots. However, the head coach seems intent on building the squad in a way that suits his playing style, and he believes Tomas Araujo is a starting point.
According to a report from The Sun (via CaughtOffside), he has identified Araujo as his first-ever signing at Old Trafford. He will also meet with the Manchester United hierarchy to have a conversation about this. Araujo will not come cheap, though, as he reportedly has a release clause of €100 million, which may stall the Red Devils' advances.
Ruben Amorim speaks about Manchester United adapting to his system
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has spoken about how the players have not found it easy to adapt to his style of play. He has led them to a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and a 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.
Speaking after beating Bodo/Glimt in front of fans at Old Trafford on November 28, he discussed adaptations to his system (via Manchester Evening News):
"It is not a surprise. These are different things. I have to use the names of the players to explain the situation to you guys. I have explained why we had some problems in the first half. It was not a problem with the players; it was about me [and my ideas]. I believe we can play in different systems."
"Sometimes we defended in a 4-4-2 [vs Ipswich]. We have to play in different systems because nowadays teams change their dynamic. I think our structure, the power of this structure, is to change formation in each game," the Portuguese tactician added.
Manchester United have succeeded under Amorim so far with one win and draw each, and they will hope they can continue the rest of the season in similar form.
