Ruben Neves: Man United now know what it would take to complete Saudi Pro League midfielder raid | OneFootball

If Ruben Amorim can sort his midfield, then he will finally unlock the best version of this Manchester United team.

A lack of balance in his engine room has hindered his team’s progress:

As vulnerable as United’s central midfield has looked, teams like Fulham and Manchester City have repeatedly exploited it, and it has cost United valuable points.

Amorim must weigh his options and identify a midfield pivot he can trust right now.

Transfer need

Even if he finds that solution internally, he will still need time to assess the market for players who can elevate his midfield.

Carlos Baleba remains the top target, the midfielder Amorim has long admired.

But that blockbuster move never materialised, and while United are expected to revisit the deal, it is likely to be a summer 2026 pursuit.

United, however, cannot afford to wait until the end of the season to fix their biggest weakness.

They need an urgent solution, as urgent as the moment the transfer window reopens.

Who United can sign in January

It is still unclear which midfielder United will prioritise this winter.

Elliot Anderson has been heavily linked, but like Baleba, his deal could prove complicated mid-season.

INEOS may be forced to look elsewhere, and according to Caught Offside, one alternative could be Ruben Neves, who is currently at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

Not long ago, The Peoples Person relayed links to the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder.

Transfer opportunity

Now Caught Offside reports:

“Neves could move back to Europe this January for around €20m.

“It remains to be seen if this will definitely lead Man Utd to pursue Neves as a priority, but he’s a player Ruben Amorim sees as a good fit for his squad.”

Neves for £17 million is a tempting proposition.

The Portuguese international is a proven Premier League performer, one who could inject not just quality but experience into this United side, much like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have done.

Additionally, beyond the athleticism Amorim craves, Neves brings defensive nous, vision, and the ability to score from outside the box. He could make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

United would best recognise this transfer opportunity and act decisively.

Featured image Megan Briggs via Getty Images

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