26 May 2023 , 05:00
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Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has reservations about Neymar amid reports that the Red Devils are looking at moving for the Brazil star.
Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world record deal in 2017, but has been linked with a summer departure. Dissatisfied fans visited the 31-year-old's home in France to voice their frustrations, with a number of ultras also targeting club headquarters to make their feelings known about Lionel Messi.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has remained coy on Neymar, amid suggestions talks had begun over a potential swoop. However, Meulensteen - who served as Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man during his time with the club - has made no secret of his concerns.
“It’s probably rumours and speculation, everybody keeps tight-lipped about it,” Meulensteen told talkSPORT. “I have my reservations about it because he’s obviously a high-calibre player but he’s also a prima donna.
“He’s never played in the Premier League. Playing in Spain and France is completely different. Also his best position is playing on the left wing and you’re gonna go with [Marcus] Rashford.”
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Meulensteen suggested there could be some off-field positives if United move for the PSG star. However, he recognised why Ten Hag has been non-committal so far.
“You don’t know what you’re going to get on the pitch [from Neymar],” the Dutchman explained. “You know you’ll get a commercial return that obviously the ownership will like. But you need to look into it and that’s why I think Erik keeps his cards close to his chest on this one.”
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Neymar has been tipped to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season (AFP via Getty Images)Manager Ten Hag is understood to be taking a significant role in recruitment ahead of the summer window. United are expected to make significant investment in their squad after making sure of Champions League qualification with a comprehensive victory over Chelsea.
The great unknown is the ownership of the club, with a takeover still potentially on the cards. Even if the Glazers stay in charge, though, Ten Hag has made it clear he has worked with the current owners on transfers before and can do so again if required.
"I came in here [at the end of] last season and we talked about what can we do in the squad, what can we do in transfers," the former Ajax boss said. "And last year, the club confirmed they can do. So, for me, I don't think anything changed and yeah, in this summer period we can do the same."
Ten Hag's comments came before the Chelsea game, where his team knew a point would guarantee Champions League football. In the end, they got all three with little difficulty, scoring twice in each half to put Frank Lampard's team to the sword.
Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were all on target, while Joao Felix scored a late consolation for Chelsea. The win takes United above Newcastle, meaning victory over Fulham on the final day will ensure a third-place finish.