Now with Michael Carrick as interim boss, the Red Devils want to take advantage of the January window to try to reverse their chaotic situation
Ruben Amorim did not survive the crisis and was sacked by Manchester United, who only have the Premier League left to play for until the end of the season. Michael Carrick was chosen to try to turn around the Red Devils' chaotic situation, with the club targeting a signing who could address the interim manager's needs.
According to The Guardian, Ruben Neves is the English manager's primary target. The 28-year-old midfielder is under contract with Al-Hilal until June but has already received a proposal to renew. Manchester United, however, want to bring in the Portuguese as early as the 2025-26 season.
The Red Devils are willing to pay up to £20m to convince the Saudi club to release Ruben Neves during this transfer window. Al-Hilal could relent if they fail to extend their number 8's contract, with the player already free to sign a pre-contract agreement.
Before moving to Saudi Arabia in June 2023, Ruben Neves accumulated extensive experience in the English top flight after a six-season spell at Wolverhampton. However, the Red Devils are not the only club interested in the Al-Hilal midfielder.
Manchester United face competition for Ruben Neves
GiveMeSport reported in December that the Saudis offered the Portuguese a new two-year contract. However, Ruben Neves has expressed a desire to return to England, as reported by The Times.
Besides Manchester United, Newcastle are monitoring the Al-Hilal number 8's situation, while West Ham are trailing in the race. To recoup part of the investment made just over two years ago — €55m (£48.3m) — the Saudi club are willing to negotiate.
Other European giants are also tracking Ruben Neves's future, including Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Real Madrid. In the Red Devils' case, the Portuguese midfielder would arrive to be a starter in a department that has faced doubts so far.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo did not get a consistent run under the Portuguese manager at Old Trafford, with that role being filled by Casemiro. With the Brazilian also in the final stretch of his contract and not guaranteed to stay, Ruben Neves would take on the midfield role at Manchester United.
This article was originally published on Trivela.
