Ruben Neves: Man United target makes decision about his Al Hilal future | OneFootball

Manchester United are keeping their options open as they plan midfield reinforcements in 2026. The Red Devils have been linked with several players as they seek to address a position which is fast becoming a major concern.

Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system uses a two-man pivot, and the Portuguese head coach has deployed Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in that role this season.

While the duo have done well, the English giants have struggled to control games so far, and reinforcements are in order as they aim to climb up the league table.

Ruben Neves on Amorim’s radar

Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are the players most strongly linked with United so far. All three are proven in the Premier League, which is likely to be a key criterion in INEOS’ pursuit of a new midfielder.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Premier League giants have also identified former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves as an option to strengthen the squad in January.

The Portuguese already has experience of playing in England with the Midlands club, so he could settle quickly at the Theatre of Dreams. Meanwhile, the 28 year old will enter the final six months of his contract with Al Hilal in January, igniting talk of a possible cut-price deal in the winter.

Some of United’s priority targets may not be available in January, so the chance to add Neves to Amorim’s squad understandably appeals to INEOS. However, it now appears that their plans are under threat.

Neves ready to stay in Saudi Arabia

Speaking to The United Stand, journalist Ben Jacobs stated that Neves is willing to commit his future to Al Hilal.

“Ruben Neves, I think, is harder now because it looks like the direction of travel is about extending his time in Saudi Arabia, and there are a lot of sources that feel that he’ll follow the path of Milinkovic-Savic and commit his future,” said Jacobs.

“Whether or not that means that he stays for the duration of any extension remains to be seen. But the point of Ruben Neves when we spoke about it last was more kind of towards the end of the summer when the player was debating whether he wanted to go into this season still in Saudi Arabia in a World Cup year or whether he was prepared to leave.”

If a move for Neves doesn’t materialise in January, United may have to turn their attention elsewhere, especially as Kobbie Mainoo remains linked with an exit.

Final Thoughts

Ruben Neves will turn 29 in March next year and is already in his prime. His experience and expertise could be a godsend for Amorim’s team, especially if Casemiro ends up leaving next year.

However, the player’s exorbitant wages could pose a problem for the deal. Meanwhile, the Portuguese has been playing in a relatively less competitive league since 2023, so the Red Devils will have to assess whether he can quickly adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.

The Premier League giants are ideally expected to focus on their primary targets in 2026. However, if all factors are favourable, there’s no denying that Neves could be a fine option for INEOS to consider.

Featured image Megan Briggs via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social