Manchester United are reportedly considering triggering the £69 million release clause of Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo, a move that could provide incoming manager Michael Carrick with a significant early boost. Carrick is in negotiations to become United's permanent manager on a two-year deal, and the club's hierarchy is expected to back him in the summer transfer window.
Araujo, 26, has been a standout performer in Portugal since joining Sporting two years ago, scoring 11 goals and providing 13 assists in 91 appearances. This season alone, he has netted seven goals and added five assists in 45 outings. His form has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
United see Araujo as a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, who scored the team's first goal in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Although Shaw is expected to remain a key figure next season, the club is planning for the future. Reports in Portugal suggest United registered an interest in Araujo earlier in May and have made contact with his representatives.
Araujo has previously expressed a desire to play in the Premier League, specifically for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. After Sporting's 4-1 Champions League win over City in 2024, he said: 'I hope so, I hope so... I asked him for a photo, we talked for a few minutes and he congratulated me.' However, he also has a strong connection to United through former manager Ruben Amorim, with whom he worked at Sporting. Araujo praised Amorim, saying: 'He was always in a good mood. He's a great coach and I loved working with him.'
The £69m release clause could be a stumbling block, but Carrick will expect backing from the board to strengthen the squad and build on the success of last year's signings, such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
