Manchester United have been blessed over the years, with many supporters having the chance to witness countless elite-level midfielders plying their trade at Old Trafford.
The Sir Alex Ferguson era brought about huge success, as seen by the Scotsman’s tally of 13 Premier League titles - the most by any manager in the division’s history.
From technically gifted central options like Paul Scholes, to leaders and disrupters like Roy Keane, it truly was a phenomenal time to be a supporter of the Red Devils.
paul-scholes-man-utd
However, in recent times, the hierarchy have struggled to land the options they desire at the heart of the side, which has left Michael Carrick hunting for new additions.
After taking the reins just last week, the 44-year-old has already begun his pursuit of a new midfielder, leading to various options appearing on the club’s radar.
Man Utd hold internal talks over signing former Premier League star
In an attempt to bolster the central midfield department, United have identified multiple potential additions, with Ruben Neves just one player being considered.
The Portuguese international, who currently plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, only has six months left of his current contract, with the 28-year-old wanting a return to the Premier League.
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It’s also been confirmed that his current side are unwilling to offload him at present, but a fee in the region of £20m could be enough to secure a deal for the former Wolves star.
However, Neves isn’t the only option currently in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Besiktas talent Wilfred Ndidi also being subject to interest this January.
According to talkSPORT, the Nigerian, who used to play for Leicester City, has been earmarked as a target, with internal talks being held behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
The report also states that, like Neves, the midfielder wants a return to the Premier League this month, but it’s unclear how much a deal would cost for his signature this window.
Why Ndidi would be a better signing than Neves for United
As previously mentioned, Neves is a player who has been in the sights of the hierarchy for multiple weeks, with the 28-year-old offering an experienced top-flight option.
Ruben Neves goal involvements per season (timeless)
He managed to spend five years as a regular starter at Molineux, before making the move to Saudi Arabia back in the summer of 2023 for a reported £47m.
During his time in the Premier League, he was known for scoring countless spectacular goals, as seen by his free-kick against Everton on his debut in the competition.
Even in the Middle East, he’s continued his fine form in front of goal, as seen by his tally of seven goals in his first 14 appearances in the Saudi Pro League during 2025/26.
However, despite such numbers, a deal for Neves could be put on the back burner, especially after the recent internal talks to land Ndidi before the window slams shut.
Wilfred-Ndidi-Leicester
Any central midfielder that makes the move to Old Trafford must be able to disrupt the play and dictate the game from a deep position, which could allow the likes of Bruno Fernandes to thrive further.
A move for the former Leicester man could therefore make more sense, with the 29-year-old a player who has prided himself on regaining the ball in front of the backline.
When comparing his stats to those of Neves from the ongoing campaign, it’s evident that the African star is a better ball-winner, something which the Red Devils desperately crave at present.
An "absolute monster" of a midfielder in the words of ESPN's Colin Udoh, he has made more tackles and even come out on top in more of the duels he’s entered during the ongoing season.
How Ndidi & Neves compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Pass accuracy
Dribbles completed
Tackles made
Duels won
Aerials won
Interceptions made
Stats via FotMob
Such numbers showcase his tremendous ability out of possession, something which the current United squad greatly lacks under Carrick’s guidance in 2025/26.
He’s also made more ball recoveries this season to date, whilst also making more interceptions per 90, further highlighting his ability to break up the play in his deep-lying role. As Udoh put it, he really is a 'monster' in the middle of the park.
However, when in possession, the Nigerian has also managed to outperform Neves, as seen by his higher tally of successful dribbles completed so far this campaign.
Both players are experienced options in England’s top-flight, with the aforementioned duo undoubtedly handing the Red Devils the quality they have lacked in recent times.
Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi in action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier
Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi in action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier
It’s evident that Ndidi is a player who is currently more suited to the role which needs filling under Carrick, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue a move for his signature this month.
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