By Rohit Sarkar,We All Follow United

Copyright yardbarker

Journalist Mark Brus has provided a new update on United’s search for a defensive midfielder. He reports that the Red Devils could look to make a move for Al-Hilal’s defensive midfielder Ruben Neves. The 28-year-old wants to return to the Premier League, and clubs like Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race.

The Portuguese midfielder’s current contract with the Saudi club runs until 2026, and he earns a handsome £410,000 per week. Brus states that Amorim values the qualities of the 28-year-old and feels that he will fit his 3-4-2-1 system. United can sign the midfielder for €20m (£17m), which is far cheaper than United’s other targets like Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba.

Is he a better option than Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton?

The Portuguese player is at his prime and also provides an immediate solution in the role of a defensive midfielder for a much lower price of €20m. Neves has experience of the Premier League due to his tenure with Wolverhampton Wanderers, possesses a wide passing range, tactical awareness, physicality and the ability to break down attacks by imposing himself in the midfield.

However, the 28-year-old lacks the pace which United need at this moment, or else there would not be any stark difference with what Casemiro is providing at that moment. Younger targets like Carlos Baleba (21) and Adam Wharton (21) offer more long-term potential.

Baleba is a physically dominant, high-energy ball-winner with excellent passing ability and composure under pressure. Wharton, despite recent injury concerns, exhibits strong progressive passing, work rate, and defensive tenacity, excelling in transitions and ball recovery. However, if the Red Devils are not able to afford either of them, then Ruben Neves can turn out to be an attractive choice.