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Manchester United remain heavily linked with midfield reinforcements in January after being hot and cold this season.
The Red Devils finished fifteenth in the Premier League last season, but thanks to a summer full of reinforcements, they are in sixth place this season after sixteen games.
While the attack, which was the focus of the summer transfer window, has shown marked improvements, there are holes in the middle of the park that need to be addressed quickly.
A recent report from The Peoples Person claims that the English giants have identified Ruben Neves as a solution to their woes and are planning a move in January.
A name that has proven itself in the Premier League
United showed an affinity with Premier League proven names this summer, and as such Neves fits into their transfer strategy. Although the Portuguese currently plies his trade at Al-Hilal, he has extensive experience of playing in the top flight of English football, having spent six seasons at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Ruben Neves: Premier League stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Performances (sub) | 177 (13) |
| Goals | 21 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Goals | 21 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 17.4 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 9.48 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 60 |
| Penalties (scored) | 8 (8) |
| Hit Woodwork | 5 |
| Free kicks (scored) | 45 (45) |
| Crosses (completed %) | 121 (19%) |
| Passing (completed %) | 9,904 (83%) |
| Long strides (completed %) | 1,720 (60%) |
| Corners taken | 37 |
| Minutes played | 14,431 |
| Dribbles (completed %) | 128 (71%) |
| Duels won | 666 |
| Won aerial duels | 130 |
| Total tackles | 370 |
| Interceptions | 285 |
| Blocks | 65 |
| Red cards | 0 |
| Yellow cards | 46 |
| Violations | 175 |
| Offside | 2 |
| Own goals | 0 |
Source: Premier League website.
The 28-year-old’s contract with the Saudi Pro League club expires at the end of this season and he is yet to sign an extension.
The situation has increased speculation about his future. The Red Devils are reportedly planning to take advantage of this and price him away around the turn of the year, but it seems that the player is also wanted in Spain.
Real Madrid are looking at Ruben Neves
According to TransfersReal Madrid are considering a move for Ruben Neves in January. The LaLiga giants are looking to add more quality to the middle of the park, which is a cause for concern this season.
Neves’ experience of top-flight football in England, his skills on the ball and his leadership qualities have struck a chord in the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy. Al-Hilal could be willing to let him go at a reduced rate during the winter transfer window to avoid losing him for free next summer, which could be the icing on the cake.
The update will not be liked by United, who have already laid the foundations to secure the Portuguese’s signature in January. Interest from The whites could pose a huge threat to the Red Devils’ plans, especially as the lure of the white shirt could be too tempting for Neves to resist.
The player, meanwhile, is set to return to Europe at the turn of the year to boost his chances of making the Portugal squad for the 2026 World Cup. It now appears he will have no shortage of options come January.
Final thoughts
Neves’ ability to shield the backline and pull the strings from deep could make him a perfect replacement for Casemiro, who turns 34 in February. Meanwhile, the Portuguese midfielder has a thunderous shot in his arsenal, which would also suit Ruben Amorim’s tactics.
Securing Neves’ signature in January could help United secure European football next season and aid them in their search for a top midfielder in the summer. The Red Devils cannot misunderstand this as such.
The Peoples Person has been one of Man United’s most important news sites for over ten years. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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