Manchester United’s needs in the current transfer market are clear and they have gone about addressing those in a systematic way so far.
Matthijs de Ligt has been targeted for the defence, Joshua Zirkzee is the attacking target, while Manuel Ugarte has generated the most noise for midfield.
However, with Casemiro on the exit list, Christian Eriksen unhappy with a backup role, and Sofyan Amrabat technically a Fiorentina player from July 1st, they need more than just Ugarte in midfield.
It is worth noting that the noise around the Uruguayan increased after their interest in another midfielder got dismissed.
Now, it seems like United never left the race, just pivoted more strongly toward other targets while working on the earlier one too.
A third Portuguese at Old Trafford
Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha reports that United have had a bid worth £59 million rejected for SL Benfica ace Joao Neves recently.
Paris Saint-Germain have had a bid rejected for a similar amount but in England, United are the only club to have formalised their interest with an offer.
United are known to be big admirers of the teenage defensive midfielder but Benfica’s asking price has proven to be prohibitive so far.
Neves has a release clause of about £102 million, a figure far beyond the reach of United, especially in the current window due to troubles with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Benfica have insisted that they would want the release clause paid in full if they are to let Neves go, something they got when Chelsea bought Enzo Fernandez.
Consequently, United shifted their attention towards the more attainable Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, a deal that looks to be advancing quickly.
The irony of that deal is that United might end up giving the Ligue 1 champions enough money to sell Ugarte and buy Neves to replace him.
Unfortunately, there would be nothing United can do about it unless they engineer some sales of their own beforehand and attack Neves’ case with an armed chest.
Players like Marcus Rashford, whose asking price has been set, would completely alleviate United’s financial worries on their own with a sale. That amount can then be reinvested in problem positions like defensive midfield.
Man United’s Portuguese connection
United have had a successful history of Portuguese players playing for them and Neves’ tactical fit at the club makes it certain that he would add to it if he were to join.
Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes are the flag-bearers of that success but in Nani and Diogo Dalot, they have had four players who played some of the best football of their careers under the bright lights of Old Trafford.
Joel Pereira rounds up the five Portuguese players to have played for the club. Neves, at just 19, is the type of player United can build their midfield around for the next decade.
In Mainoo and him, they would have a unique pair of teenagers already deemed good enough to start in world-class sides every week.
That is an enviable position for most of Europe which is why Benfica have been stubborn with their demands for the player, who they deem to be their crown jewel.
United might have to ultimately try and convince the player to stay at Benfica this year and restart the conversation next year when they will hopefully be in a better position financially and in terms of squad makeup too.
Ugarte is a good and understated signing but Neves is the kind of player teams build their squad around and doesn’t come around often. If waiting is how they will eventually get their hands on him, they shouldn’t hesitate in laying the groundwork and making him the sixth Portuguese player to represent United.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
