Manchester United scouting Benfica star Joao Neves

Joao Neves has represented the Portugal National team

Scouts from Manchester United witnessed Benfica’s young player Joao Neves score a thrilling equaliser, leading his team to an enthralling derby-day triumph over Sporting Lisbon.

Neves, 19, earned his senior-level debut for Portugal previously and became an ongoing start for Benfica under coach Roger Schmidt the previous year.

With Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes all 29 years of age or older as his present choices, United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly requesting that his team sign the midfield player in 2024.

Italian reports state that Red Devil scouts were there at Estadio da Luz on Sunday when Neves equalised in the 94th minute. Three minutes afterwards, Benfica’s replacement Casper Tengstedt scored the game’s injury-time winner, giving them all three points and a tie with Sporting at the very top of the league.

But Neves accomplished much more than just bag a vital goal; the midfield player finished with the most passes (45), the most dribbles (four), and the most duels (14).

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Manchester United executives will have been impressed by all of that in addition to his four interceptions and six recoveries—and they have shown interest in him before.

During the summer, the 19-year-old had been linked to a move to Old Trafford; however, the Red Devils signed Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina.

After this season, Ten Hag might bid farewell to the lacklustre Moroccan midfield player because there’s no requirement to make the transfer permanent.

For United, Neves provides a long-term answer. Luis Castro, the former Benfica manager who is currently Cristiano Ronaldo’s manager at Al Nassr, thinks the young Portuguese player has what it takes to excel at the greatest level. Castro stated to O Jogo, through Sport Witness, “His value will exceed €25 million (£21.7 million).”

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