Man Utd transfer target shines on scouting mission after Ten Hag demands signing

15 November 2023 , 08:10

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Joao Neves is a target for Manchester United (Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Manchester United scouts watched Benfica starlet Joao Neves score a dramatic equaliser which inspired his side to a dramatic derby-day victory over Sporting Lisbon.

Neves, 19, emerged as a regular starter for Benfica under manager Roger Schmidt last season and recently made his senior international debut for Portugal. United boss Erik ten Hag is said to be demanding that his club sign the midfielder in 2024, with current options Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes all aged 29 or older.

Reports in Italy claim that the Red Devils had scouts in attendance Estadio da Luz on Sunday, as Neves scored a 94th-minute equaliser. Benfica then grabbed an injury-time winner just three minutes later through substitute Casper Tengstedt, claiming all three points to move top of the table and level on points with Sporting.

Neves did far more than score a crucial goal, however, as the midfielder completed the most dribbles (four), completed the most passes (45) and won the most duels (14). All that combined with four interceptions and six recoveries will've impressed United chiefs - and it's not the first time they've been interested.

The 19-year-old was linked with a transfer to Old Trafford over the summer but the Red Devils instead signed Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat on loan. There's no obligation to make the move permanent, though, so Ten Hag could wave goodbye to the underwhelming Moroccan midfielder at the end of this season.

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Neves offers a long-term solution for United and former Benfica boss Luis Castro, now managing Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, believes that the Portuguese youngster has everything to succeed at the very highest level. Castro told O Jogo, via Sport Witness: "He will be worth much more than €25million (£21.7m).

Get invovled! Would Joao Neves be a good signing for Manchester United? Give us your verdict in the comments section.

Joao Neves produced another outstanding performance against Sporting Lisbon (Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

"He can play in any championship in the world. He's a complete and very intelligent player. The Premier League is the best league in the world, and not only would he be able to adapt, but he would also play and shine.

"Knowing Joao, I think he is not worried about the next step but about the next game. He had good training at Benfica, but at family level he also had a lot of support. He is very focused. I believe that if and when he takes the leap he will be prepared."

Nathan Ridley