Manchester United sent a representative to the FIFA World Cup to watch Uruguay left-back Maxi Araujo, according to Portuguese outlet Record.

Araujo has been a standout performer since the tournament began, putting in eye-catching displays for the South Americans. He has featured twice, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The United official picked a good game to watch the 26-year-old in action as they attended Uruguay’s 2-2 draw against Cape Verde. Araujo got himself on the scoresheet and also set up Agustin Canobbio during an entertaining affair at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Man Utd Interest in Uruguay’s Araujo Grows

The report claims that United have been tracking Araujo throughout the 2025-26 campaign and have stepped up their interest. The scouting report from Uruguay’s draw against Cape Verde indicates the club’s admiration has grown.

Araujo is a versatile left-sided player who can play at full-back and on the wing. He made 47 appearances across competitions for Sporting CP last season, chipping in with seven goals and six assists.

United are thought to be keen on adding a new left-back to Michael Carrick’s squad to hand competition to Luke Shaw. Tyrell Malacia left following the expiration of his contract, and Shaw has nobody challenging him for a starting berth.

Carrick might also be enticed by Araujo’s versatility, given that he previously hinted that he wants a left-winger this summer. With Shaw now in his thirties, there is a need to start thinking about a long-term replacement.

How Much Sporting Want For Araujo

If United decide to make a concrete move for Araujo, they could be looking at paying around £51million for the Uruguayan. The report claims that Sporting are prepared to do business around that fee despite the inclusion of a £68million release clause in his contract.

Araujo, dubbed “explosive,” could yet extend his stay at José Alvalade Stadium, as the Portuguese giants reportedly have a plan. Once the World Cup concludes, they plan to hold talks with the player’s entourage about a new deal that would move him closer to the higher end of the club’s wage structure.

The Montevideo-born left-back has three years left on his current contract. He’s been with the club since the summer of 2024, when he arrived from Mexican outfit Toluca.

United also have Lewis Hall on their radar, and he reportedly is open to joining the Red Devils. The issue is that Newcastle United are reluctant to sell the Englishman, which could mean INEOS turn to Araujo as an alternative.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been making headlines ever since the start of the 2026 World Cup due to his entertaining and cutting punditry for FOX Sports. Now, the legendary striker has ranked the best performers this summer based on their individual performances.

The Swede didn’t have too much luck when it came to the biggest international stage, failing to find the net in either of his two World Cups. However, he’s still a revered figure in the game, with his opinion holding a lot of weight among players and fans.

As part of his role on FOX, Ibrahimovic has a regular segment called ‘King of the Jungle’. This is where he will regularly make changes to his top nine performers at the World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sneaks Into Ibrahimovic’s Rankings

Troy Taormina (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

While actually tasked with giving his 10 best players at the United States, Canada and Mexico-hosted tournament, Zlatan has placed himself in the top spot permanently. So, ignoring that, Lionel Messi has been the star of the World Cup.

That’s reflected in Ibrahimovic’s rankings, as he’s rewarded the greatest footballer of all time’s performances with the top spot among active players. Messi netted a sensational hat-trick in Argentina’s opening game, before adding a brace against Austria.

Kylian Mbappe (2nd) and Erling Haaland (3rd) are two of the best strikers in world football. They are also Messi’s closest rivals in the Golden Boot race this summer, having netted four goals for France and Norway, respectively.

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior has equalled that goal tally after finding the net in all three of his nation’s group games. He’s also provided a single assist, cementing himself as Carlo Ancelotti’s talisman and Ibrahimovic’s fourth-best player.

Lamine Yamal proved he’s Spain’s most important player with his performance and goal against Saudi Arabia after La Roja struggled without him starting in the opening game. The best young player on the planet has been better than sixth-placed England hero Harry Kane, who has two goals so far.

Michael Olise may not have found the net yet for France, but he’s still been impressive for Les Bleus. The ex-Premier League winger has set up three goals already, and looks a strong contender for the Playmaker Award.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo has now made his way into Ibrahimovic’s rankings after missing out the week before. Portugal’s thrashing of Uzbekistan saw CR7 announce he’s ‘back’ following a two-goal cameo. That puzzled Ibra, who ‘thought he never left’.

But the Manchester United and Real Madrid icon can’t force his way past one of the surprise packages of the competition so far. Deniz Undav hasn’t started any of Germany’s games, but has still picked up three goals and two assists. Undav is eighth, one place above Ronaldo.

Statistics in this article are courtesy of FIFA. Correct as of 26-06-26.

Yan Diomande to Liverpool and Julian Alvarez to Man United lead the latest Market Madness transfer update with Ben Jacobs.

Kate Mason and Ben Jacobs are live for another World Cup edition of Market Madness as the transfer window continues to heat up, with updates on Liverpool’s pursuit of Yan Diomande, Manchester United’s shock interest in Julian Alvarez, and the latest around Elliot Anderson.

Faissal Chehade, Individual Development Coach at CD Leganés, joins the show to discuss Yan Diomande’s rise in professional football and the clubs that missed their chance early in his journey.

Guardian and Observer Manchester football correspondent Jamie Jackson also joins Kate and Ben to give his verdict on England ahead of the Panama game, plus the latest on the Elliot Anderson transfer race.

Ben also answers your transfer questions, including:

– Yan Diomande: Is a Liverpool deal getting closer?

– Nottingham Forest’s midfield plans after Elliot Anderson

– Could Lucas Bergvall be part of Forest’s next move?

– Manchester United’s interest in Julian Alvarez

– Felix Nmecha and Aurelien Tchouameni links to United

– Arsenal and Bruno Guimaraes

– Newcastle’s position on Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali

– Where Crysencio Summerville could end up next

All that and more on Market Madness.

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