BREAKING NEWS: “That guy joining Man United in January is a bad news to every team in the top four race, I’m very scared right now”: Enzo Maresca says Man United has signed the player who could be a big instrument for them finishing top four in the Premier League this season.
Ruben Amorim had to deal with a serious midfield crisis in Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday.
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo weren’t named in the matchday squad. The veteran midfielder was unavailable due to a suspension and the youngster suffered an injury setback in training.
Bruno Fernandes started alongside Manuel Ugarte at Villa Park, but the skipper was taken off at the break following a shock injury. Meanwhile, Ugarte, as always, did more harm than good for his side in the middle of the park.
United ended the game with a midfield pair of central defender Lisandro Martinez and Jack Fletcher, who made his first-team debut.
Manchester United want to sign Ruben Neves
Last week, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are interested in signing Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves.
According to CaughtOffside, Neves is refusing to sign a new deal at Al-Hilal. With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, his future in the Middle East has become “uncertain” heading into the winter transfer window.
The Saudi Pro League outfit are believed to be open to a January sale, as they look to avoid losing their marquee signing, whom they signed in a £47m deal, for free next summer.
Ruben Neves’ stats by club
Search:
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Yellow cards
Wolves 253 30 13 62
Al-Hilal 106 14 25 24
FC Porto 93 4 3 13
Amorim reportedly values midfielders who can “dictate play, recycle possession efficiently, and provide defensive balance, areas where Neves has consistently excelled throughout his career.”
His five-year long Premier League experience with Wolverhampton Wanderers is also appreciated at Old Trafford.
Neves keen on Premier League return
It is claimed United are monitoring Neves’ situation closely but face competition from Newcastle United. However, the Magpies could struggle to meet his wage demands due to financial fair play restrictions. He currently earns £410,000-a-week at Al-Hilal.
Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus are also keeping tabs on the 28-year-old Portuguese, as they are “intrigued by the prospect of securing an elite midfielder at a reduced fee.”
However, Neves is understood to be keen on a return to England, having already “given the green light to Premier League clubs prepared to make a serious move in January.”
Given the ex-Wolves star’s “clear” preference, the ball seems to be in United’s court, and the likes of Inter and Juventus could be forced to look elsewhere.
