Manchester United’s Pursuit of Benfica Wonderkid Gains Momentum

In the ongoing quest to bolster their midfield, Manchester United has intensified its interest in the prodigious talent of Benfica’s João Neves. Reliable sources from the Portuguese outlet RECORD reveal that the English powerhouse has dispatched scouts on multiple occasions to closely monitor the 19-year-old midfielder, solidifying their conviction in securing his signature.

The latest fixture under scrutiny was Benfica’s riveting clash against Sporting CP last Sunday, a game that unfolded with late dramatics, resulting in a 2-1 victory for the Eagles.

The triumph catapulted Roger Schmidt’s side to the top of the league, further emphasizing the caliber of talent Manchester United is eyeing.

Confirmation of United scouts’ presence at the match comes from reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. However, he notes that the club’s potential move is contingent on a decision from the board concerning Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s speculated entry into Old Trafford.

🚨🔴 Understand Manchester United scouts were in attendance at Benfica game vs Sporting to follow João Neves.

Portuguese midfielder born in 2004 is being monitored by #MUFC scouting department, waiting for board changes to make future decisions. pic.twitter.com/evgZoQCMW9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 14, 2023

João Neves, primarily a defensive midfielder, has seamlessly integrated into Benfica’s starting lineup at a mere 19 years of age. Since his debut for the club last year, he has continued to impress on the Portuguese stage, making him an enticing prospect for Manchester United.

The pursuit of Neves aligns with United’s strategic planning, particularly as they brace for the possible departure of Casemiro, who is rumored to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Neves, with his skill set and profile, appears to be a fitting candidate for the Premier League club’s future aspirations in the midfield.