United’s plans to sign PL-proven Portuguese ace in January under threat from Real Madrid – report

Manchester United remain heavily linked with midfield reinforcements in January after blowing hot and cold this season. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last campaign, but a summer of reinforcements has helped them to sit sixth this season after 16 games. While the attack, which has been the focal point of the summer transfer window, has shown marked improvements, there are gaps in the middle of the park that need to be addressed soon. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the English giants have identified Ruben Neves as a solution to their woes and are planning a move in January. A Premier League-proven name United displayed an affinity for Premier League-proven names this summer, and Neves, as such, suits their transfer strategy. While the Portuguese currently plies his trade with Al-Hilal, he has extensive experience of playing in the top tier of English football, having spent six seasons with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ruben Neves: Premier League Stats MetricValue Appearances (Sub)177 (13) Goals21 Assists9 Goals21 Expected Goals (xG)17.4 Expected Assists (xA)9.48 Touches in the Opposition Box60 Penalties (Scored)8 (8) Hit Woodwork5 Free Kicks (Scored)45 (45) Crosses (Completed %)121 (19%) Passes (Completed %)9,904 (83%) Long Passes (Completed %)1,720 (60%) Corners Taken37 Minutes Played14,431 Dribbles (Completed %)128 (71%) Duels Won666 Aerial Duels Won130 Total Tackles370 Interceptions285 Blocks65 Red Cards0 Yellow Cards46 Fouls175 Offsides2 Own Goals0 Source: Premier League website. The 28 year old’s contract with the Saudi Pro League club expires at the end of this season and he has yet to sign an extension. The situation has added to speculation regarding his future. The Red Devils are reportedly planning to take advantage and prise him away at the turn of the year, but it appears that the player is also wanted in Spain. Real Madrid eyeing Ruben Neves According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are considering a move for Ruben Neves in January. The LaLiga giants are looking to add more quality to the middle of the park, which has been a cause for concern this season. Neves’ experience of top-tier football in England, his abilities on the ball and his leadership qualities have struck a chord with the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy. Al-Hilal could be willing to let him go for a discounted fee in the winter transfer window to avoid losing him for free next summer, which could be the icing on the cake. The update will not please United, who have already done the groundwork to secure the Portuguese’s signature in January. Interest from Los Blancos could be a huge threat to the Red Devils’ plans, especially since the lure of the white shirt could be too enticing for Neves to resist. The player, meanwhile, is ready to return to Europe at the turn of the year to bolster his chances of making Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It now appears that he will not be short of options in January. Final Thoughts Neves’ ability to shield the backline and pull the strings from deep could make him a perfect replacement for Casemiro, who will turn 34 in February. Meanwhile, the Portuguese midfielder has a thunderous shot in his arsenal, which would also suit Ruben Amorim’s tactics. Securing Neves’ signature in January could help United secure European football next season and aid them in their pursuit of a top midfielder in the summer. The Red Devils, as such, cannot get this wrong. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.