Portugal and Paris Saint Germain midfielder Joao Neves has revealed the ‘important’ influence Bruno Fernandes has had on his career.
Manchester United attempted to sign Joao Neves from Benfica before his move to Paris Saint Germain and Bruno Fernandes was an advocate for the deal.
“I don’t know if United rumours are true,” Fernandes said about rumours linking Neves to Old Trafford last year. “But I know he is ready for that big jump. “He is an excellent player.”
In the end, United did not sign the talented midfielder and he went onto win the Champions League with PSG last season.
Neves remains close with United captain Fernandes and has been speaking about his positive influence to the media this week ahead of Portugal’s upcoming fixtures.
Neves reveals ‘important’ Fernandes influence after United claim
Neves is one of the most highly-rated midfielders in Europe but he is still only 21 years old and has explained how Fernandes helped him integrate into the Portuguese national team.
“I try to be myself, both playing football and as a person outside of it. It’s true that I’ve always been well received by all the more experienced teammates; I’ve always integrated well, they’ve always welcomed me, and given me a hand. I’m very grateful,” Neves told SAPO.
“Bruno was a very important person to me. He helped me integrate, and he made me realize that I didn’t need to be nervous.
“Things that have changed in my football? I’ve improved my arrival in the box; you can see that with the goals. But I know there’s always room for improvement. I think one of the big aspects I was missing was arriving in the box, scoring goals, and assisting. But it’s not something I focus on too much.”
United need Neves-type profile
Fernandes and Neves are always pictured together on Portugal duty and United fans always feel like it was a missed chance not signing the 21-year-old.
United are still missing that deep lying midfielder in their squad – someone who can dictate the play and help the team gain control. That is the kind of profile they will be looking for next summer.
Players like Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson are being linked with the club, and the Reds could sign more than one player in the middle.
But they won’t be able to get Neves anymore. He is clearly comfortable at PSG.
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