Man Utd are eyeing a winter deal for Ruben Neves

Man United ended their partnership with manager Ruben Amorim earlier this month and placed Darren Fletcher on temporary assignment for the matches against Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion.

There will be another change at the helm, with Carrick taking charge on an interim basis until the summer. The club is prepared to pledge money to him to further strengthen the selection.

A new midfielder appears to be a priority for the Red Devils and Neves has become a target. The Portuguese could be signed for £20million and United have made ‘funds available’ to sign him.

Top class

Neves was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League during his long spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was linked with a move to the Red Devils, but surprisingly made the switch to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal.

The Portuguese has been a standout player for the Saudi Pro League giants over the past two and a half years, but he could be sold this winter as he has no desire to put pen to paper on a contract after June 30.

Al-Hilal issued £47 million to sign him from Wolves in 2023, and may want to recoup some of the investment rather than lose him on a free transfer. United have the resources available and could bring him to Old Trafford in the coming days.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have largely shared midfield duties, but both have had flaws. Casemiro has made crucial interceptions and tackles, but at his age he is not mobile enough to play 90 minutes.

Ugarte is good in duels and has a solid work rate, but was poor in his positioning. Neves was able to provide the right balance. He has the ability to make goalscoring contributions, but can regularly recover thanks to his defensive awareness.

The former Porto graduate does not shy away from making tackles and clearing his lines when necessary. At £20m, Neves would be a huge bargain despite his current contract expiring at the end of the campaign.