Man Utd make 'double-your-money approach' to Harry Maguire replacement

Manchester United are prepared to pay double the necessary fee to sign Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire

The arrival of the defender would place Maguire under further pressure after an already difficult season. The England international has been woefully out of form this campaign and has come under huge criticism from his own fans.

United have struggled in the Premier League this year and it even led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting sacked in November, but the club’s fortunes are yet to turn around. Ralf Rangnick joined as interim manager until the end of the season.

But the Red Devils look no closer to landing Champions League football despite bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane in the summer. Going forward, United have looked toothless at times but it is in defence where there are most worries — particularly over their captain Maguire.

It has led to talk of replacements with several targets already being linked with a move to Old Trafford. That includes Barcelona star Araujo, who has been in fine form this season under Xavi.

The Uruguay international most recently scored a thumping header against Real Madrid in El Clasico, while doing an expert job keeping the in-form Vinicius Jr quiet. Along with Gerard Pique, the duo have rediscovered their form in the Barca backline to give them a fighting chance of finishing in the top four after a miserable start to the season.

Do United need to replace Harry Maguire? Comment below

According to ABC, via Sport Witness, United have made an attempt to prise the centre-back away from Catalonia and they are prepared to break the bank. They report that the club have already approached Araujo about a transfer