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Erik ten Hag appeared to have built the foundations of a new-look side on the central defensive partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane last season.
Martinez’s metatarsal injury and Varane’s apparent falling out with his manager has forced a rethink, however, and Ten Hag has been reliant on the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans in recent weeks.
Luke Shaw, primarily a left-back,, has featured at centre-half of late, too, but he was powerless to prevent Bournemouth from leaving Old Trafford with their first ever win over United on soil last weekend.
Ten Hag is unlikely to be able to spend heavily when the window reopens next month but defensive reinforcements are becoming an increasing priority with a view to short-term cover and long-term planning.
Araujo is said to be unsettled at Barcelona where he has become increasingly frustrated at being asked to play in a full-back role.
Bayern Munich, who face United in the Champions League tonight, are understood be the frontrunners for the Uruguay international although the Red Devils hold long-standing interest.
If Ferdinand were in the 24-year-old’s shoes, however, Araujo’s decision would be a straightforward one.
‘If I’m a player like Ronald who I think has every attribute to be one of the best defenders in the world, why are you going United?’ Ferdinand told Vibe with Five.
‘I’d be looking at Varane and going if he can go to Manchester United and get benched for a left-back, or for an old veteran like Jonny Evans an ex-player who has come back for his twilight years and someone who used to be captain who was left out for 18 months but is back in form now and is playing, I can’t go there and risk my life and risk my career.’
Ferdinand added: ‘If you look at it what player has gone to Manchester United and got better. Varane has got worse, Casemiro has gone backwards now in their value and worth. You’d get good money for Bruno still, he’s the only one.
Wan-Bissaka you aren’t getting £50million now, they aren’t getting what they paid for Dalot, I’m sure. Amad Diallo the Ivory Coast boy. I could go through them all. I don’t know who comes in?
‘Would you get the same money for Hojlund now? No! Sancho? I could keep going if you want. Van de Beek?’
MORE : Barcelona respond to Manchester United swap offer involving Jadon Sancho and Raphinha
MORE : Rio Ferdinand lists five wingers who would help Rasmus Hojlund score for Manchester United
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