United’s pursuit of “genius” midfield maestro in ruins as he agrees shock contract extension – report

Manchester United’s pursuit of Ruben Neves has taken a sharp twist with the transfer window set to slam shut next week, according to a new report. Midfield Rebuild January was always expected to be quiet at Old Trafford, irrespective of the shock decision to sack Ruben Amorim earlier this month. INEOS brought an end to the Portuguese coach’s tumultuous tenure after an explosive fallout with sporting director Jason Wilcox over his influence at the club. One of the flashpoints in the build-up to the dispute is thought to have been United’s failed pursuit of Antoine Semenyo, with the Bournemouth talisman opting for the blue half of Manchester over the red. It was not the first time the club’s hierarchy had failed to deliver Amorim a target he had specifically pushed for, with INEOS rejecting moves for Aston Villa pair Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins in favour of Senne Lammens and Benjamin Sesko. Amorim is understood to have wanted experienced options at both ends of the pitch – but was overruled by Wilcox and recruitment director Christopher Vivell. It’s little surprise, therefore, that United have not deviated from their plan to overhaul the midfield this summer, with an understanding that if one of the club’s long-term targets – Elliot Anderson, for example – became available, they would accelerate a move, as they were willing to with Semenyo. However, United are believed to be open to a cheap ‘stop-gap’ option to bolster the engine room – given the overdependence on Casemiro – as it would not subtract from the summer budget. Loan moves for Wilfred Ndidi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been explored, though deals have not progressed for either. But Neves, the 28-year-old Portugal international currently playing for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, was also identified as a target. A Return to England? The attraction of Neves – a deep-lying playmaker still in his prime, despite his country of residence, with a wealth of experience in the Premier League – was obvious for United. His contract situation also raised hope of a cheap deal, with only six months remaining on his contract with Al-Hilal. A report relayed by The Peoples Person last week revealed United were ready to accelerate a move for the midfielder, who was open to a switch to Old Trafford. Any player who joins a Saudi side will be on wages that are prohibitive to even the wealthiest club in Europe, but Neves was said to even be willing to take a pay cut to seal the deal, increasing optimism even further. However, Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari has dashed these hopes by confirming the 28-year-old maestro has signed a three-year extension with Al-Hilal. Accordingly, Tribuna reveals the “extension takes Neves off United’s shortlist.” INEOS will have to search elsewhere for midfield reinforcements as Monday’s deadline ticks closer and closer – with the positivity of Michael Carrick’s appointment just one injury to an ageing Brazilian away from being extinguished. 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.