Why Man United should plot a January swoop for Wolves’ Ruben Neves

Former West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has told ESPN FC that Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves “ticks all boxes” for Manchester United. (h/t The Express)

Ruben Neves, 22, has impressed in a Wolves side that is level on points with Manchester United in the Premier League table. He scored yet another screamer as Wolves beat Aston Villa 2-1 in the Midlands derby on Sunday.

The Wanderers stunned the footballing community when they signed Ruben Neves from FC Porto back in July 2017. And he has been central to Wolves’ recent transformation from a Championship outfit to Europa League contenders. To date, the Portuguese international has bagged 14 goals across 102 appearances in all competitions.

Ruben Neves in FC Porto colours. (Getty Images)

As Shaka Hislop feels Neves would be a good fit at Old Trafford, should Manchester United make a move for the Wolves star in January?

United are crying for reinforcements in almost every area of the pitch following a slow start to the Premier League season. The midfield is an area which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer chose not to strengthen in the summer despite Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera’s departures.

Scott McTominay has come of age with his performances this season, while Fred appears to have finally found his feet at United following a run of games. However, the Red Devils lack depth in the midfield with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic currently out injured.

With Matic eyeing an exit in January having fallen behind Scott McTominay and Fred in the midfield pecking order and doubts over the future of Paul Pogba (h/t the Telegraph), Solskjaer should sign a central midfielder in January.

Ruben Neves would be a brilliant addition to the United ranks. He has looked at home in the English top-tier after winning promotion with Wolves last year.

The 22-year-old is considered one of the top midfielders in the Premier League, known for his ability to dictate the tempo of the game from a deep-lying position in the midfield.

The Portuguese is not just a relentless, tough-tackling and diligent midfielder, as he also has the ability to get forward and score goals from the midfield. His ability to score long-range scorchers and technique from set-pieces makes Neves a massive threat as well.

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Ruben Neves has been a star at Wolves since joining from FC Porto in 2018. (Getty Images)

Plus, he can provide defensive cover in the middle of the park, as evident from his average of 1.3 tackles, 1 interception and 1.6 clearances per game in the Premier League. [Courtesy: WhoScored.com]

Verdict

All in all, United would make a smart long-term investment if they manage to lure Neves away from Wolves. He could be an upgrade over Matic, whilst giving United’s midfield quality and balance.