The Al-Hilal star is identified as the ideal January reinforcement to provide stability following Casemiro’s injury struggles and Ugarte’s inconsistent form.
Manchester United have intensified their efforts to secure Rúben Neves as their first signing of the January transfer window. Following the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach, the Old Trafford board has reportedly authorized a move for the 28-year-old Portuguese international to bolster a struggling midfield.
An Affordable Opportunity According to The Guardian, United view Neves as a “viable and objective” target. Currently playing for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, Neves is reportedly available for a fee in the region of £20 million.
The club’s hierarchy considers this valuation highly attractive, given Neves’ extensive Premier League experience from his successful six-year stint at Wolves. Al-Hilal is reportedly open to negotiations as they look to reshuffle their overseas player quota for the remainder of the season.
Solving the Midfield Dilemma The pursuit of Neves comes at a critical time for United. The football department has identified several key issues in the middle of the park:
- Casemiro’s Fitness: Frequent injuries and a noticeable drop in physical intensity have left the backline exposed.
- Development Curves: While Kobbie Mainoo remains a top prospect, his consistency has fluctuated, while summer signing Manuel Ugarte has struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League.
The Carrick Influence As a former elite deep-lying playmaker himself, Michael Carrick is said to value Neves’ ability to operate in front of the defense and organize the build-up play. Neves is seen as the “missing piece” to provide the tactical discipline and passing range that the team has lacked under previous setups.
United are keen to wrap up the deal quickly to ensure Neves is available for the crucial run of fixtures in late January and February.
