Man Utd may secure the new Scholes in £290k-per-week “midfield general”
It appears that Manchester United is planning to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s roster in the upcoming January transfer window. While an attacker is on their priority list, the Red Devils’ manager seems eager to bolster the midfield as well. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been the preferred pairing this season, and the Portuguese coach has appeared hesitant to significantly deviate from that. Kobbie Mainoo still hasn’t made a Premier League start this term despite his standout skills, and it seems Manuel Ugarte has also dropped down the order.
The Red Devils may target a midfielder in January, with a new candidate reportedly coming to light.
Man Utd presented opportunity to secure former Premier League star
It looks like Manchester United has several options this winter should they pursue a midfielder.
One name that is frequently mentioned is Nottingham Forest and England talent Elliot Anderson. Beyond the Premier League, Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller is another player on their radar. Furthermore, a fresh report from The Times indicates that United has been given the opportunity to acquire Al-Hilal player Ruben Neves. The ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder will be out of contract at season’s end and is eager to rejoin the Premier League.
This transfer could take place as soon as this winter, with United being one of the clubs likely to land him. Due to his contractual situation, the transfer fee would be reduced. Neves, who reportedly earns £290k-per-week according to Capology, may cost the Red Devils only £18m if he were to be signed in the near future.
Why Neves could be Man Utd’s next Scholes
In recent years, Neves has been showcasing his talent in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal. He has enjoyed success, aiding his team in securing four trophies and amassing just over a century of appearances—106, to be precise.
Should United bring the Portuguese player to their ranks this winter, they would be acquiring a talent well-suited for Premier League football. Neves has, after all, played 253 times for Wolves, netting 30 goals and contributing an additional 13 assists. As a true midfield maestro, the 63-cap Portugal international is known for overseeing play. He consistently ranked among the Premier League’s elite in terms of progressive passes.
Neves pass statistics vs. PL midfielders per season (per 90 mins)
Season
Progressive passes
Passes into final third
2018/19
6.17 (top 22%)
5.75 (top 13%)
2019/20
6.36 (top 25%)
5.71 (top 14%)
2020/21
7.13 (top 11%)
7.2 (top 6%)
2021/22
6.83 (top 16%)
6.76 (top 9%)
2022/23
6.5 (top 20%)
6.02 (top 12%)
Statistics sourced from FBref
His peak performance for that metric occurred in 2020/21, where he averaged 7.13 per 90 minutes. Statman Dave has aptly referred to him as a “midfield general.” It’s easy to envision that caliber of skill flourishing in the midfield of Old Trafford. The 28-year-old, a two-time Nations League champion with Portugal, would introduce a sense of grace and sophistication to the midfield, characterized by passes that are crucial to his gameplay.
Neves was once likened to United icon Paul Scholes by former Red Devils midfielder Owen Hargreaves. He remarked that Neves “reminds” him of the Class of ’92 legend thanks to “the way he strikes the ball so smoothly.”
Scholes is undeniably one of the top midfielders in the history of the Premier League. He captured the title 11 times and accumulated a total of 716 appearances with the Red Devils. Like Neves, he controlled play in the center of the pitch, particularly as his career progressed, orchestrating the game effectively for United.
It’s clear how the Al-Hilal player mirrors Scholes. He possesses the ability to steer the pace of the match in the heart of midfield, just as the former United number 18 did, bringing an element of technical brilliance to his team and delivering remarkable strikes from distance.
£18m is an excellent deal in today’s transfer landscape. This could be an opportune signing for Amorim to enhance the midfield depth.
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Published: 2025-12-19 20:40:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
