Following the curtain coming down on United's season last Sunday, which saw Bruno Fernandes make history as he finally broke the Premier League assist record, as well as get on the scoresheet in an emphatic 3-0 win away at Brighton, another summer of transfers edges ever closer as United look to further bolster their ranks. 

According to numerous reports over the last few months, it appears Manchester United will prioritise revamping the squad's midfield this summer.

This is similar to the club's previous transfer strategy of prioritising the attack, with the departure of cult hero Casemiro and the potential exits of other midfield options such as Manuel Ugarte.

However, with a World Cup still to play for, this may potentially slow down transfer activity at the beginning of the window for the Reds, with many of the club's targets likely to be in the US for the tournament, with United set to face heavy competition from rivals for one target in particular. 

According to reports coming from CaughtOffside, United have identified Sporting CP left back Maximiliano Araujo as a potential option for the squad this summer.

Despite Luke Shaw's impressive efforts this season, playing in all 38 Premier League games for the first time ever in his United career, there is little guarantee the Englishman will be able to maintain this level of fitness going into next season.

Shaw has a long history of recurring injuries and an even larger fixture schedule not boding well for his chances. 

Araujo is a target who has links to the club from Ruben Amorim's tenure, having played under him at Sporting, and, despite Amorim's dismissal in January, it appears the club remains keen on adding the young Uruguayan to the squad. 

It has also been reported that United are not alone in their pursuit of Araujo, with League rivals Chelsea also set to be in contention for the Uruguayan's signature. 

Although Araujo will be afforded a significant amount of playing time at United despite likely having to share shifts with Luke Shaw due to all of the additional European fixtures coming to Old Trafford next season, Chelsea could still potentially be a more appealing option for the young left back.

With the current Chelsea left-back, Marc Cucurella, potentially leaving the club this summer, this would further guarantee more valuable playing time for Araujo's development.

At the same time, he would have the opportunity to play in the 5-3-2 system he is already familiar with from Sporting, now that Chelsea have announced that Xabi Alonso, who is famed for this system, will be in charge of the Blues next season. 

The rumoured price tag of £70 million may also be a major factor in whether United choose to pursue the deal, with significant funds set to be reserved for midfield signings this summer, which may not allow for any other potential big money signings.