According to reports, Thomas Tuchel has informed Manchester United that if he were to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, he would like the team to pursue Barcelona center-back Ronald Araujo.

Man United’s start to the Premier League season has been the worst it has ever been, and they are currently 14th in the standings ahead of their return to action against Brentford following the international break.

If a switch is made soon, Tuchel is thought to be the front-runner to take Ten Hag’s place because the German is available right now after leaving Bayern Munich earlier this year.

If Tuchel were to replace Ten Hag, Fichajes claims that he has already informed Man United’s executives that he would like the team to aggressively seek a trade for Barcelona’s Araujo.

According to the source, Araujo, who is expected to recover from a serious hamstring injury by the end of November, may even receive a big-money offer in January from Man United, who is known to be a fan of the player.

“Would want Man United to move for Araujo,” said Tuchel.

When Tuchel was in command, Bayern are said to have made an attempt to recruit Araujo in January. However, Barcelona made it quite evident that the center-back would not be permitted to go in the middle of the season.

Over the summer, the German powerhouses were anticipated to pique their interest once more, but Araujo had a catastrophic hamstring injury while playing for Uruguay in the Copa America.

The 25-year-old had to have surgery, but he has disclosed that everything is progressing according to plan and that he should be back in the lineup by the end of the following month.

Regarding Araujo’s long-term future, however, little is known as his current contract is set to end in June 2026, and Barcelona is reportedly having difficulties persuading him to sign an extension.

How much would Araujo cost Man United to acquire?

According to Transfermarkt, Araujo is worth £58.6 million, so it stands to reason that Barcelona would demand at least that amount for the talented South American.

In his 150 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, the defender has eight goals and five assists to his name. He also had a fantastic 2023–24 season with the team.

Araujo appears physically capable of playing in the Premier League, and Man United is in dire need of some speed to bolster their back line.

Whether Tuchel becomes Man United’s head coach is still up in the air. The most recent reports indicate that Ten Hag will continue in his role for the team’s match against Brentford the next weekend, but if the Dutchman performs poorly in that match, he may be fired and replaced rather soon.