Manchester United are keeping tabs on Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as they are now falling behind in the race to sign Frenkie de Jong.
De Jong has been on United’s radar since the start of the transfer window but as per the latest updates, Chelsea have now leapfrogged over Man United and they are confident of landing the midfielder.
This, if it happens, will be a major blow for Manchester United but Erik ten Hag is certainly not sitting with folded arms.
United had been linked with Ruben Neves at the start of the summer and it looks like the club have reignited their interest in the Wolves man.
Journalist Ben Jacobs is claiming that Frenkie de Jong is open to joining Chelsea and if this is true then Man United will have no other option but to shift their focus to Neves.
Will Ruben Neves be a good backup plan?
The transfer window has entered the final month so Man United can no longer play the waiting game. They will have to make a call in the coming days and if they feel, Chelsea will end up signing Frenkie de Jong then they will have to shift their focus to Ruben Neves asap.
Neves is obviously not in the same talent bracket as De Jong but the Portuguese international has been one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League in recent seasons.
Rúben Neves switched the play more times than any other midfielder in the Premier League last season:
R. Neves – 123
J. Ward-Prowse – 116
B. Fernandes – 106
J. Moutinho – 106
Rodri – 103Imagine the switches to Jadon Sancho. 😲😲😲 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/YjAlNKLfGA
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 2, 2022
While Barcelona wants around £70-75 million for Frenkie de Jong, the Wolves man will be available for just £50 million. Also, he’s played more than 200 games for Wolves so he will take no time to settle down in the Premier League.
Ten Hag needs someone who can hold the ball and spread play at will and the 25-year-old has been doing the exact same things for Wolves for five years.
Signing a new central midfielder is very important for Erik ten Hag because he won’t be able to get back to the UCL with Fred and McTominay and if they are going to miss out on Frenkie de Jong then Ruben Neves will be the ideal alternative.