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Nani names £60m star who would have been a ‘great signing’ for Man Utd
Nani believes Joao Neves would have been a ‘great signing’ for Manchester United as the club seek to solve their long-term problems in midfield.
United were among the clubs who were very keen on the Portugal international after his breakout season at Benfica, effortlessly replacing Enzo Fernandez in midfield following his £106million move to Chelsea in January 2023.
It was reported United made a number of bids to sign Neves in the first-half of 2024 with Bruno Fernandes declaring his young countryman was ‘ready’ to take the next step in his career.
Neves did that later that year, but it was Paris Saint-Germain who landed one of Europe’s most coveted young stars, bringing him to the French capital in a £60million deal. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, part of the fearsome PSG midfield alongside international teammate Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz that won the Champions League last season.
After missing out on Neves, United refilled PSG’s coffers by signing Manuel Ugarte with the Uruguay international struggling in Manchester.
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United’s problems in midfield have been left to fester for a number of seasons with the club hoping to find a long-term solution next summer with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton thought to be top targets.
Plenty of United fans have been left to rue missing out on Neves with former star Nani agreeing the club missed out on an ‘all round talent.’
‘For sure, he would have been a great signing,’ Nani told Metro on behalf of online casino experts, casino.co.uk.
‘He can run, he has amazing energy and all-round talent.
‘He can score goals and can do anything on the field. He is a very clever footballer, who I think would fit in any team.’
Man Utd told to sign ‘very good’ Casemiro replacement
United made their interest in Baleba known in August but Brighton’s valuation, thought to be in excess of £100m, ended any possibility of a late summer move. Crystal Palace’s Wharton is also admired but Nottingham Forest star Anderson is reportedly United’s first choice to come in as part of their rebuild in the middle of the park.
United spent big on Casemiro in the summer of 2023 with the Brazil international forcing his way back into the team this year just as his career in England had begun to be written off.
The former Real Madrid star is in the final year of his contract and while United have the option to extend the 33-year-old’s stay, a long-term successor is needed.
‘A replacement will definitely be needed,’ Nani said. ‘Manchester United has always had two, three players fighting for the same position and they’re always very good players.
‘That’s why Man Utd have always been one of the best. When Sir Alex Ferguson changed the team, with players leaving, they had the next players from the squad lined up ready.’