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.
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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.
Yan Diomande’s early coach Faissal Chehade explains why Liverpool could be the perfect fit, and why his ceiling may be Ballon d’Or level.
Chehade, who worked with Diomande at Leganés, reveals on Market Madness what stood out from the very beginning: the confidence, the one-v-one ability, the training-ground moments that made coaches take notice, and the mentality behind his rise from rejection across Europe to becoming one of the most talked-about young players in world football.
He also breaks down why Leipzig was the right step, why Liverpool could give Diomande the platform to become “the main man,” and why he believes the winger has the potential to reach the very top of the game.
Chapters:
0:09 — Yan Diomande’s First Coach Reveals the Talent
2:07 — The Training Goal That Made Everyone Stop
3:36 — Why Yan Diomande Was Rejected Across Europe
4:21 — Why Leipzig Was the Perfect Move for Diomande
4:55 — Why Liverpool Could Be Yan Diomande’s Perfect Fit
8:02 — Yan Diomande’s Ballon d’Or Ceiling Explained
It looks as though a banned European nation is set for a return to FIFA competition, with reports suggesting they’ll be allowed to compete at an international tournament as soon as October.
The ban, which has run for more than four years, has kept senior, youth and women’s sides out of competitive matches, including the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, as well as the 2024 Euros.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously hinted at softening his stance, and it now appears children’s football could provide the route back into the fold, starting with a new under-15 competition this autumn.
Gianni Infantino Pushes For Russia’s Reintroduction
Infantino has been vocal about wanting Russia back involved, arguing the suspension has done more harm than good. Speaking earlier this year, he said:
“We have to, because this ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred. Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.”
That stance appears to be translating into action, with reports indicating Russia and Belarus are among the nations set to feature at FIFA’s inaugural under-15 World Cup and Festival, running from October 22nd to the 31st, in Azerbaijan.
FIFA confirmed all 211 member associations have been invited, stating: “The first edition will be open to boys’ teams from all FIFA member associations; the second installment in 2027 will feature girls’ teams only. From 2028 onwards, all member associations will be invited to participate with both their boys’ and girls’ U-15 teams in two separate competitions.”
A Symbolic Tournament for Gianni Infantino
The event has taken on added significance for Infantino, who’s also pushed for Israel and Palestine to meet in a symbolic opening fixture. After an attempted handshake between officials from both nations fell flat in April, Infantino referenced the same tournament while appealing for unity:
“We have a beautiful under-15 tournament coming up, where we will invite all 211 countries to participate, all the children of the world, let’s do it for that. Let’s work together. You have my commitment, you have the support of the whole room.”
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Whether Russia’s inclusion goes further than football at junior level is something that hasn’t yet been addressed, but the door appears to be opening.
Pele was an extraordinary footballer. He made his senior debut for Brazil at just 16 years old and marked the occasion with a goal against Argentina. Only a year later, he netted twice in a World Cup final, helping Brazil secure World Cup success.
Pele spent the majority of his club career with Santos in Brazil before later joining American outfit New York Cosmos. As a result, he never featured for a European club. However, that did not stop him from following football on the continent.
Indeed, he once identified a Scottish football legend as the only British player he believed was good enough to represent the Brazil national team.
When he passed away at the age of 85 in January 2025, tributes poured in from across the football world. Among those leading the condolences was legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
“Trying to place Denis in the pantheon of all-time greats is a challenge.
“But it is made easier by Pele. He was asked if there was a British player who could get in the [great] Brazil team. He said Denis Law – which is a fantastic tribute.”
“He was a fantastic player and an incredible human being. The great thing is that he did not use his fame, he was so level-headed and down to earth, and we are talking about a guy who had all of these caps for Scotland and is called the ‘King of Old Trafford’.”
It was certainly a fitting tribute from two football icons to a truly exceptional player.
Pele Also Rated English Defender Bobby Moore
Bobby Moore 1966 World Cup
Law was not the only British football great admired by Pele. The Brazilian also had immense respect for England’s World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. He said:
“It’s hard to say. You see, whoever I played against, I had the best defender marking me, but the best were Bobby Moore and Franz Beckenbauer.”
He later added: “Bob was the best centre-back I’ve seen – so quick up here [points to his head].”
It’s unfortunate that British supporters did not get the opportunity to watch more of Pele in person. Nevertheless, when he arrived in England for the 1966 World Cup, he was already the most famous footballer on the planet, allowing local fans to witness his brilliance first-hand. Unfortunately, injuries limited his impact, and Brazil exited the competition in the first round after playing only three matches.
