Manchester United are set to quickly move on from Antoine Semenyo’s snub as they’ve made contact to explore the conditions of a deal for their next target.
Antoine Semenyo’s snub would have come as a blow to Man Utd because Ruben Amorim was clearly a big fan of the player.
However, in many ways, it was also a blessing in disguise, as United have positions that need addressing with far more urgency.
What is your message to Antoine Semenyo?
Has he made a mistake choosing to join City? What should United do now?
It seems like the club have recognised this and, as per Fabrizio Romano, made contact with the agent of a player to explore the conditions of a deal.
Man Utd make first move for Ruben Neves
Midfield was a pain point for Amorim even before the season started, but the emergency level for that position has recently reached Code Red.
Bruno Fernandes’ injury, combined with Kobbie Mainoo’s setback, means he’s left with just Casemiro and a struggling Manuel Ugarte.
Priority targets like Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba won’t be available in January, so United needed to be smart and balance short and long-term outlook.
Ruben Neves hit the sweet spot on that spectrum as his contract with Al-Hilal expires in the summer.
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, has now said that United have been in touch with Neves’ agents recently to explore the conditions of a deal.
He said: “What I’m told is that Man Utd spoke to the agents of Ruben Neves on several topics. There was a contact to understand some situations and discuss some opportunities but I’m not told that concrete negotiations have started with Al-Hilal.”
Neves can be a short and long-term option
Ineos and Amorim have been adamant that no panic signings will be made in January, but Neves’s age, playing profile, and Premier League pedigree make him the perfect candidate.
Ruben Neves has emerged as a possible midfield signing for Man Utd in January
Still only 28, Portugal international, do you think United should sign Neves? 💷
Neves’ contract situation means Al-Hilal should be open to letting him leave for cheap, and at 29, he is in the prime of his career.
Playing in the Saudi League hasn’t diminished his powers, as he’s in the Portuguese national team picture as well, so he will have plenty of friends at Carrington.
Most importantly, he is perfectly suited to the deep midfield role in Amorim’s system as he performed a similar role for Wolves before leaving for Saudi Arabia.
His long-passing and positioning sense make him an ideal No. 6, and he can play that role in rotation even when United get a marquee name next summer.
Contact with agents is a good first sign. This is definitely one to watch in January.
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