Spare a thought for the hamstrings of Premier League defenders everywhere.
As if Manchester United’s revamped and suddenly free-scoring frontline wasn’t speedy enough already – Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho jetting forward like Erik ten Hag’s very own Red Arrows – reports claiming that Pedro Neto has appeared on the club’s summer transfer radar threatens to further increase the horsepower at the Dutchman’s disposal.
According to the Daily Mail, Wolves’ number seven has ‘come up in conversations’ at Man United.
And if the recent Premier League clash between United and the Wanderers at Molineux was something of an audition for Neto to stake his claim in front of the watchful eye of Sir Dave Brailsford and co, then it’s safe to say he passed it with flying colours.
Had it not been for Kobbie Mainoo’s glorious intervention at the other end, Neto’s searing finish on the counter would have earned Wolves a point.
Manchester United eye Wolves speedster Pedro Neto
After seeing his progress curtailed by injury, the prancing Portuguese is playing arguably the best football of his Premier League career this season.
This is comfortably Neto’s most prosperous campaign in terms of assists, ten already, with Manchester United the latest club to fall victim of his fearsome combination of explosive pace and ever-improving end-product.
“He has been absolutely incredible,” Wolves boss Gary O’Neil told the BBC a few months back.
“His work rate, the way he trains, playing within the shape and structure and taking information on board… He is incredibly talented and physically very gifted as well.”
Ten Hag said during pre-season last year that he hoped to transform Man United into ‘the best transition team’ in the world, a side capable of going from back to front at breakneck speed and in a manner reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s best teams.
Second-fastest Premier League player
Such an approach was simply not viable when United had the snail-paced Wout Weghorst or the matchstick man Anthony Martial leading the line. Antony is not exactly rapid off the mark either. But with Hojlund the focal point of the United attack these days, with Rashford and Garnacho boasting sports car speed on the wings, throwing the £60 million-rated Pedro Neto into the mix could have devastating consequences for backlines up and down the line.
As pointed out by the Premier League website in January, only Luton Town’s Chiedozie Ogbene has clocked a faster top speed than Neto in 2023/24.
“He’s been outstanding,” former Wolves defender John Richards says of a man who also sits joint-second in the division’s assist charts (Express and Star).
“He’s turning defenders inside-out and creating goals. It’s lovely to see him back (from injury), it really is. The injuries had taken their toll, and it took him time to get back to what he was. But he’s really firing on all cylinders now.
“He’s outstanding, he really is.”
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