Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves was producing video game passes in Portugal’s World Cup defeat to South Korea, according to Bruno Fernandes.
Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo, Neves was the only other outfield player to start all three of Portugal’s group stage games.
After picking up a yellow card against Uruguay, the 25-year-old was a booking away from missing the Selecao’s last-16 clash against Switzerland.
But Portugal boss Fernando Santos started Wolves’ number eight against South Korea, but like against Ghana and La Celetse, the former Porto man was replaced by AC Milan forward Rafael Leao in the second half.
South Korea scored a dramatic 91st minute from Neves’ Wolves teammate Hwang Hee-Chan which sent the East Asia nation through to the round of 16 at Uruguay’s expense.
Ruben Neves was producing video game passes against South Korea, says Bruno Fernandes
Neves has been frequently linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent years after impressing at Molineux, but a move has never come to fruition.
Prior to Erik ten Hag‘s appointment, The Sun claimed that the Dutchman would want to add Neves to the Red Devils midfield.
But instead of pursuing Neves, the former Ajax manager signed Christian Eriksen on a free transfer and signed five-time Champions League winner Casemiro from Real Madrid.
It does seem only a matter of time before Neves leaves the Black Country, but with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Frenkie de Jong seemingly at the top of Ten Hag’s midfield wish list, it seems unlikely that Neves’ next move will be via the Theatre of Dreams.
But against Korea, Neves put on a passing clinic, which didn’t go unnoticed by Fernandes.
United’s number eight commented on Neves’ Instagram post: “Passes with controller should not be allowed”.
Only Heung-Min Son (3) created more chances than Neves (2) in Friday’s final round of Group H fixtures, according to WhoScored.
Alongside having 68 touches of the ball, Neves finished the game with 97% pass accuracy after completing 60 of his 62 attempted passes.
Neves completed seven of his nine attempted long balls and only lost possession three times for the Selecao, as per SofaScore.