Rúben Amorim is reportedly eyeing a move to raid the Saudi Pro League for one of their well-known names in January amid his Manchester United midfield crisis.
Manchester United have faced numerous issues since Rúben Amorim joined the club, with the poor start to this season being attributed to the midfield instructions.
Far too often, regardless of who has played in the middle of the park, there have been too many gaps to cover, with the likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Bruno Fernandes all being caught out through being overloaded by opposition players.
Many were surprised in the summer transfer window that United opted against signing a midfielder. Despite intense interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, his £100 million price tag was seen as too steep by those at Old Trafford.
United are expected to return for Baleba in the summer of 2026, but after not signing a stop-gap player to help the current crop of midfielders last transfer window, January represents the chance for change.
Amorim eyeing January Neves move
According to reports relayed by CaughtOffside, with Amorim knowing he needs a new midfielder, a move for former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Rúben Neves in January is possible.
It is claimed that Amorim is a “big fan” of the Portuguese international who now plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with the 28-year-old’s price tag at around £17.3 million for European sides.
Two further unnamed Premier League sides are also said to be monitoring Neves’ situation. One may well be Newcastle, who were strongly linked to the player in the 2023 summer transfer window.
It is noted that Amorim sees Neves as a great potential fit for a squad lacking in midfield options, and at 28, still has plenty left in the tank when it comes to Premier League football.
Neves could be just what United need
It’s well established that United are lacking in options with respect to Amorim’s midfield duo, but even if the head coach is relieved of his duties and a new manager comes in, multiple midfielders will have to be signed.
United opted to sign Premier League-proven players in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo last summer, and these have been the two standout new players this season. Given Neves’ previous Premier League experience with Wolves, he may be a valuable addition to United’s midfield ranks.
The Portuguese player, renowned for his “spectacular” long-range striking efforts and ability to dominate any football match, would bring poise and calm to an erratic midfield, and could also allow Bruno Fernandes to play higher again.
So far this season, Amorim has deployed his club captain as a deep-lying playmaker, but it’s often well known that Fernandes plays his best football when he is in and around the penalty area.
If United were to secure Neves in January, this could allow Bruno the freedom to play further up front and compete with Cunha, Mbeumo, and Amad for the attacking positions.
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