Anshuman Joshi
Nemanja Matić advises João Neves to stay a Benfica for now amid Manchester United interest
Nemanja Matić had some words of advice for João Neves in a recent interview with O Jogo, as reported by Manchester Evening News.
The former Man United and Benfica midfielder believes a move to the Premier League is too soon for the 19-year-old, who made his senior professional debut only in December 2022.
Neves has been attracting interest not only from Man United but also their rivals Chelsea and Liverpool. The more he continues to perform, the harder United might have to compete for his services.
As someone who has played at Old Trafford, one might assuem Matic would push him to join the Red Devils. However, the veterna midfielder apepars to believe that the youngster still has much to leanr before taking the next step in his career.
“I think it’s too early for him to take that step of leaving. If I were him, I would stay at Benfica for a few more years to play in the Champions League and to mature more. I’m sure his time will come and, therefore, he doesn’t need to rush. Joao is already at a big club at this point. I’m sure his future at Benfica will be very good. I think it’s too early to leave, but of course, in the end, it’s always his decision”
Matić speaking to O Jogo about Neves
Neves’ current contract has a release clause of £103 million, with Benfica looking to tie him to a new deal with an even bigger release clause. While he could cost more in the future, it could be counter-productive for both club and player should he make a move before he is ready.
If money talks, Neves will walk
Matić is not wrong; for a player with only one full season of senior professional football under his belt, Neves would not be hurting his chances one bit if he prolonged his stay at Benfica.
That, sadly, is not how things work. One could say his predecessor at the Estádio da Luz, Enzo Fernández, himself could have used a season or more at Benfica before making his Premier League move. But when the big sharks come in ready to match the three-figure price tags, it’s hard for both the club and the player to refuse such a proposition.
It’s silly money, after all; if it were offered to you, what would you do in Benfica’s stead?
More Manchester United News-
- Gary Neville recalls why it was ‘frustrating’ to play with Cristiano Ronaldo at Man United initially: “He was all over the place”
- Man United star avoids Jadon Sancho repeat with Erik ten Hag as club deal with matter ‘internally’
- Pundit urges Premier League club to give struggling Raphael Varane an escape route from Manchester United
So yes, João Neves could use another season or two in Portugal, but there’s a good chance he won’t get to and will have to quickly adapt to a fast-paced, highly-competitive environment regardless of his preferences.
