The latest Manchester United news includes comments from Ruben Neves on his career plans
Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves of Al-Hilal(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Portugal international Ruben Neves has reportedly emerged as a surprise candidate to strengthen Manchester United's midfield.
It's no surprise of the need for United to strengthen their midfield, with evidence, this season, suggesting that Bruno Fernandes would be better off higher up the pitch. Fernandes' work ethic, ball-winning ability, and vision allow him to play in a deeper midfield role, but he struggles to produce his best performances there.
When the transfer window closed, club sources said signing a midfielder was never a priority, given the squad's depth and versatility. However, this season has shown that Ruben Amorim and Co may have underestimated the need for reinforcement, and they will now have to wait until at least the New Year.
That is where Neves comes in, with the Daily Briefing reporting that the Portugal international is open to returning to European football after two years at Al-Hilal. With his contract running until the summer of 2026, Neves can open talks in January over a pre-agreement.
The 28-year-old previously played in the Premier League with Wolves between 2017 and 2023. The report also notes that Newcastle United and Tottenham are expected to compete for the player's signature, while Amorim is said to have a 'particularly strong interest' in signing him.
However, Neves made his future plans clear when speaking to the Portuguese channel Sport TV earlier this summer. The midfielder, who came through FC Porto's youth setup, left the club at 20, missing out on the chance to win silverware with his boyhood team..
He emphasised his desire to return and compete for titles. "I've said it in all the interviews - it's not coming back to finish your career, it's going back to play and be competitive: that's my big goal," he said last month.
"Fortunately, I'm 28 years old and I feel very good physically. This is a career goal, because I wasn't champion at Porto and having a family of over 60 people who support the club, it's something I want to give them and experience [for myself].
"I used to go to the Aliados to celebrate Porto's titles but now I want to be on the other side and want to see my family celebrate."
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