Ruben Neves has sent Manchester United transfer message despite Wolves’ Tottenham defeat

Ruben Neves: All you need to know about star linked with summer move

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Southampton on Sunday showed that there is still work to be done if they are to win trophies – especially in the midfield department.

Paul Pogba evidently doesn’t need replacing, as he recorded his fifth assist in just two games to help United to a point on the south coast.

However, with Nemanja Matic and Fred producing sub-standard performances – the latter scoring an inadvertent own-goal – and Jesse Lingard and Scott McTominay only making bit-part appearances while Donny van de Beek failed to even even off the bench, it has highlighted the need for a midfielder.

And almost simultaneously, Ruben Neves’ dominant performance against Tottenham in the other 2pm kick off was a harrowing reminder that, despite Wolves’ narrow defeat, he has proved he can be the man to change Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s fortunes.

In Wolves’ first home game in full capacity following the pandemic, Neves stole the show as he took on a midfield consisting of Dele Alli, Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

However, despite his best efforts, a mistake from Wolves’ new signing Jose Sa allowed Alli to score from the penalty spot, leaving Wolves pointless after two games.

It was only through poor defending and finishing that Wolves didn’t get themselves off the mark.

But Neves’ performance didn’t go unnoticed from pundits and fans alike; receiving an 8.7 score on SofaScore, and rave reviews from critics, Neves has proved not only his quality, but the fact that he has outgrown Wolves in general.

In a team with Adama Traore and Nelson Semedo – who at the best of times are wasteful – Neves has to drag them through the ninety minutes almost single handedly.

Yet, in a side with attacking flair such as United’s, with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes allowed to roam freely infant of him, Neves would be allowed to focus entirely on his output and not have to be mindful of others.

The Portugal international joined Molineux from Porto aged just 20 in a then-club record deal, having scored on his debut for Porto at 17 and captained the club at 18.

However, his shock move to the West Midlands has undoubtedly brought out the best in him.

He became synonymous with Nuno Espirito Santo’s style of play before the manager’s move to Tottenham, as he established himself as one of the Premier League’s best holding midfielders.

In fact, it could well be that Neves doesn’t play for Wolves next week, but on the opposite team – as United travel to Molineux on Sunday afternoon in a bid to get back to winning ways.

Wolves boss Bruno Late won’t be too disappointed with his side’s start given the level of opponent they have played.

However, there will be pressure to push on if they are still pointless after three games. 

Yet for Neves it could be time to move up a level, and United might just provide that step-up he needs.

Source: Read Full Article