Nemanja Matic won’t have pleased Ineos and Manchester United with his latest message to one 19-year-old target.
For Manchester United, this summer will be probably the most important in years, with numerous positions needing to be strengthened amid the worst season in recent memory.
It’s been awful for Erik ten Hag, however after such a low, it certainly feels like the new era has arrived at the correct time with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos set to take charge of their first summer window.
They have a real chance to stamp their authority on the team and to rebuild a squad which is broken.
It’s thought that several high-profile outgoings will supplement and fund the incomings which are also expected to come thick and fast.
But now, one target has been sent a message, advising against the move which won’t have delighted the decision makers.
Nemanja Matic sends a message to Joao Neves
Speaking to the Portuguese outlet O Jogo, former United man Nemanja Matic has sent a message to a current target.
It’s a message to the 19-year-old midfield target that Ineos want this summer which is Joao Neves, the young Portugal international that Bruno Fernandes has lauded as being ‘excellent’.
“I really like the youngest… Joao Neves.
“He’s fantastic. At just 19, he’s a fantastic player. He’s the future of Benfica. Of course, he’s interested some Premier League clubs too. I really like this type of player, who is young but plays with a lot of maturity.
“I think it’s too early for him to take that step of leaving. If I were him, he’d stay at Benfica for a few more years to play in the Champions League and to mature more. I’m sure his time will come, so there’s no need to rush.
“Joao is already at a great club at the moment. I’m sure his future at Benfica will be very good. I think it’s too early to leave, but of course, in the end, it’s always his decision.”
So the fact that the Serbian has advised Neves to remain at Benfica this summer, it’s doubtful Ineos will be thanking him, as they have been reported to view him as an ideal midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo this summer.
Neves is a supreme talent but probably not what is needed this summer
For Neves, his name has been the most exciting midfielder in Europe over the past six months which explains the links to Old Trafford.
But when considering what United actually require from a Mainoo partner, Neves probably doesn’t completely fit the bill.
This is no slight against Neves, but rather because he’s far too talented to simply be doing the dirty work in defensive midfield and he and Mainoo lack that physicality.
For this reason, he’s probably not the right fit, although that being said a Neves and Mainoo pairing is 10x better than any current option, it’d be great. Just not ideal.