OFFICIAL NOW: Man United won the transfer battle over Chelsea and Liverpool to reached personal terms with £410,000-a-week star who will join as free agent by January after “direct request” from Amorim
Casemiro endured an eventful evening as Manchester United and Bournemouth played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at Old Trafford on Monday.
The Brazilian got on the scoresheet with a header in the first half. However, at times, he was all over the place, leaving too much space in the middle of the park for the visitors to exploit. Further, the 33-year-old conceded a foul in a dangerous area, leading to Bournemouth’s third goal.
Casemiro also received a yellow card, forcing Ruben Amorim to replace him with Kobbie Mainoo at the hour mark.
Manchester United admire Ruben Neves
The veteran midfielder’s performance encapsulated the good and bad of the Red Devils, who are often unstoppable in attack but never in control of matches for 90 minutes.
Needless to say, this is unsustainable for Amorim’s men, who dropped crucial points yet again. United are crying out for a technically secure player who can prevent basketball-like phases by controlling possession from midfield.
In November, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are interested in signing Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal.
Ruben Neves’ stats by club
Search:
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Yellow cards
Wolves 253 30 13 62
Al-Hilal 106 14 25 24
FC Porto 93 4 3 13
Source: Transfermarkt
The ex-Wolves midfielder, known for his impeccable ball-striking, has already proven his mettle in the Premier League with his composure under pressure and sharp reading of the game.
Amorim pushing to sign Neves
According to Fichajes, Amorim has made a “direct request” to United to bring Ruben Neves back to England.
Neves has entered the final few months of his contract in the Saudi Pro League and is keen on returning to the Premier League, having enjoyed his time at Wolves.
It is suggested the Portugal international’s positive relationship with Amorim has strengthened United’s position in the race for his signature.
United’s priority is to finalise Neves’ signing in January. However, Al-Hilal are reluctant to part ways with their star player, who currently earns £410,000 a week in Saudi.
The Spanish outlet claim United are confident Neves will join them in the summer as a free agent if they fail to reach an agreement with Al-Hilal over a winter transfer.
Given United’s over-reliance on the ageing Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo’s desire to leave on loan mid-season, it would be wise for the club’s hierarchy to make a strong push for a tempo-setter like Neves.
