Manchester United will submit an official proposal for the Benfica wonderkid in the coming days

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Manchester United are planning to press ahead with a formal bid for Benfica star Joao Neves.

Joao Neves, 19, shone brightly at Benfica, replacing Enzo Fernandez in the engine room following the latter’s departure to Chelsea in January 2023. Since then, he has been a mainstay in the starting XI of Roger Schmidt and it seems inevitable that the teenager is set to be the latest big name to leave Benfica for a European giant.

Manchester United have been among the clubs interested in signing the Portuguese midfield dynamo as they look for a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who is likely to make the switch to the Saudi Pro League in the summer. According to the Record, Casemiro is deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford after a torrid second season and will not be part of the INEOS project.

INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has identified Neves as a priority target for rejuvenating Manchester United’s midfield. Neves has a huge release clause of £105m, but the Red Devils plan to test Benfica’s resolve with an opening bid very soon, the report adds.

Despite Erik ten Hag’s future up in the air, the club’s new leaders are not out to have fun and build a competitive squad for next season. For their part, Benfica would like to keep Neves for one more season, which could prove better for the player. However, Man United’s interest in the Portuguese youngster appears genuine after scouting him extensively this season.

Red Devil Armada Verdict:

Monday’s 4-0 humiliation at Crystal Palace further demonstrated just how many gaps exist in Erik ten Hag’s side. Our midfield unit is certainly among the team’s weakest links, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen past their prime. Sofyan Amrabat has not been good enough and his loan deal from Fiorentina is unlikely to be permanent.

INEOS have identified Joao Neves as a top target to strengthen our midfield unit, which has been outclassed numerous times this campaign. However, with our club unable to even qualify for Europe, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team will have to pull out all the stops to lure Neves from Benfica to Old Trafford.