Nemanja Matic advises wonderkid against transfer amid Man United interest

Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has advised a current wonderkid against a summer transfer move despite interest from The Reds.

Matic, 35, spent five years at United after transferring from Chelsea in 2017 to join his former manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

The experienced midfielder departed in 2022 to link back up with the Portuguese manager at AS Roma before experiencing stints at Rennes and Lyon since then.

At United, the midfield needs revamping in the summer, with Christian Eriksen, Sofyan Amrabat, Casemiro, and Scott McTominay all having uncertain futures.

Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are the only two midfield players expected to play crucial roles next season, whilst Mason Mount’s impact is less certain after a difficult first season at the club.

Joao Neves has been touted as a potential big-money option in the summer, with United interested in the £100 million-rated midfielder.

At just 19 years of age, Neves has played 50 games for Benfica this season and excelled for Roger Schmidt’s side.

However, despite there being reported interest from United, Matic believes that the correct decision for Neves is to stay at his former club and continue his development there.

“I think it’s too early for him to take that step of leaving,” Matic told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo. “If I were him, I would stay at Benfica for a few more years to play in the Champions League and to mature more.

“I’m sure his time will come and, therefore, he doesn’t need to rush. Joao is already at a big club at this point.

“I’m sure his future at Benfica will be very good. I think it’s too early to leave, but of course, in the end, it’s always his decision.”

Matic spent three seasons at Benfica between 2011 and 2014, making 98 appearances for the Portuguese club.