Rio Ferdinand says United should sign Araujo from Barcelona, but forgets his name

Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League last night at the hands of Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side took the lead in the first half and were able to sustain it through the game.

Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire looked clumsy through the the two legs and were bailed out several times by David de Gea. United fans did not take too kindly to their defensive display on social media, calling for Maguire to be stripped of captaincy.

This has been going on for a while now, and finding new centre-backs has become a common discourse for United fans. Former centre-back of the club, Rio Ferdinand, gave his two cents on it, picking two players he wishes United would sign. Well, not exactly, though.

“For United, I would sign Marquinhos, and the guy…’the Uruguyan’ at Barcelona,” he said, obviously in reference to Ronald Araujo.

It is rather rich that Ferdinand, one of the greatest centre-backs in Premier League history, cannot remember the name of Barcelona’s starting centre-back but knows how good he is.

While a bit disrespectful, it shows that Araujo is finally catching some international prominence, which has been due for a while now.

As for his transfer situation, Araujo has been the subject of exit links because of his nervy contractual situation at Barcelona. In fact, Gerard Romero claimes that United have tabled a €8 million annual offer for him, while Arsenal, a €6 million salary package.

‘The Uruguayan’, however, prefers to stay at Barcelona, and is waiting for an adequate offer from the administration; one that matches his importance.