Man United submit sensational £61M first bid for outstanding Benfica wonderkid with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to bring star to Old Trafford

Man United submit sensational £61M first bid for outstanding Benfica wonderkid with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to bring star to Old Trafford’

Manchester United’s first bid for Benfica wonderkid was rejected by Benfica

Despite triumph in the FA Cup final, Manchester United’s poor showings throughout the season was a clear sign that the new ownership needed to strengthen the midfield in the summer market.

Casemiro, arguably the signing of Erik ten Hag’s first summer, struggled badly in his sophomore season in England with the Dutchman’s tactics not suiting him.

After his snub in Wembley, the former Real Madrid star is set to meet the club hierarchy and decide his future with Saudi Arabian clubs circling.

The Brazilian is expected to be moved on and the Red Devils have been linked with multiple midfield replacements with Joao Neves of Benfica figuring high on that list.

It’s been revealed that the English giants have submitted their first bid for the Portuguese sensation but it has fallen well short of the asking price.

Benfica president Rui Costa has rejected United’s first bid of €60 million with the Portuguese club holding out for a minimum of €100 million.

The 19-year-old has a €120 million release clause in his contract, which is unlikely to be triggered anytime soon. However, United could include add-ons to bring the final price down if they choose to go for another bid.

However, if this news is indeed true, it is a clear sign that the Old Trafford side are looking to inject youth into their lineup and build for the future with Neves a long-term target.

In fact, Benfica were forced to put out a statement back in January that there was no pre-agreement between both the clubs for the midfield ace.

Neves interest
Interest in Neves is bound to keep growing considering his impressive displays last season. He was in top two percent for passes attempted and in the top five percent for blocks (as per fbref).

Among his peers in the Liga Portugal, the defensive midfielder was also in the top three percent for tackles, duels won and recoveries (as per fotmob).

Signing him alongside Kobbie Mainoo would be quite the statement from INEOS. And with Alvaro Fernandez already signing for Benfica, United already have a good relationship with the club.

Multiple European giants are also in the race and the Old Trafford side will need to act decisively to end up victorious. This report shows the new co-owners want to conclude their transfer business early this time around