Manchester United are pressing hard to sign Benfica star Joao Neves during the summer to partner him with Kobbie Mainoo
Benfica star Joao Neves attracted intense summer interest from Manchester United with their intention to partner him with Kobbie Mainoo. Neves has enjoyed a sensational season with Benfica, establishing himself as a first-team regular and successfully earning the international call-up.
Meanwhile, Mainoo also established himself as a first-team regular for Man United and England, enjoying a similar rise as Neves. Neves could also solve the defensive midfield issues that the Red Devils faced last season which allows Mainoo more freedom.
United struggled to dictate the game from the midfield while leaving spaces for opponents to exploit as they continuously suffered. Veteran midfielders like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen possess immense quality on the ball but lack the required energy and physicality.
United cannot afford to make similar mistakes like last season which cost them the qualification for the Champions League football. Furthermore, they need to use the transfer market wisely under the supervision of Sir Jim Ratcliffe to make a statement.
According to the print edition of Portugal outlet O Jogo, United are competing with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal to sign Neves from Benfica. The 19-year-old commands a minimum of £85m valuation but possesses the age and quality to justify that heavy price tag.
Player analysis: Joao Neves
Standing at just 1.74 metres, Neves’ diminutive stature is deceptive as he is very combative and physically powerful in duels. The 19-year-old has the immense leap, timing of jump and accuracy to win aerial duels against much taller opponents.
Off the possession, Neves uses the game-reading ability and his positioning to make good interceptions, tackles and blocking passes. He is aggressive and possesses a decent pace to make recoveries and cover the channels and spaces between the midfield and defence.
Liverpool star Diogo Jota was full of praise for his international teammate who he thinks “has the mindset to go really far”.
Paris Saint-Germain are showing concrete interest in João Neves, one of the players high on the shortlist – not the only option.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 16, 2024
PSG like him, as @FabriceHawkins reported; Arsenal and Man United monitored him for months.
But Benfica insist on €120m release clause. pic.twitter.com/QtKInLDPVp
On the ball, the 19-year-old uses his upper-body strength to maintain possession under heavy duress and maintain the ball control. Neves’ quick feet and good dribbling skills allow him to move out of the tight spaces and create good spaces.
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Neves is a brilliant passer and confident enough to make progressive passes while dictating the tempo in the middle phases. The Portugal international fits all the criteria that United require in a midfield partner to play alongside Mainoo next season.
