Manchester United’s work in the transfer market over the last couple of months has been hugely directed towards the central midfield department to bolster the options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal.
Other areas of the pitch have previously been improved by the hierarchy, with the attacking department transformed during the summer transfer window.
Over £200m was spent on new talent in the final third, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko tasked with leading the Red Devils up the Premier League table in 2025/26.
A new goalkeeper was also firmly on the agenda, but Senne Lammens’ arrival from Royal Antwerp has ended the need for added reinforcements between the sticks.
As a result, the midfield department remains the last one that needs work conducting to it, which has seen various players being touted with a move to Old Trafford in January.
The latest on Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January
Elliot Anderson has been United’s most talked-about target over the last couple of days, with the Englishman firmly in their sights ahead of the January window.
The 23-year-old has starred for Nottingham Forest over the last couple of months, even becoming a full England international as a result of his tremendous rise to stardom.
However, Amorim’s side have been quoted a fee in the region of £100m for his signature at present, but it’s unclear if the hierarchy would be willing to pay such a fee in the winter window.
He’s not the only player in their sights at present, with Portuguese international Ruben Neves a player they’re considering, according to one Spanish outlet.
Their report claims that the Red Devils have already made an approach to Al Hilal over a deal for the 28-year-old, who wants to return to the Premier League after previously playing for Wolves.
It also states that Newcastle United are also in the race for his signature, but the player hasn’t currently given his preference over which team he would want to join this winter.
How Ruben Neves compares to Elliot Anderson
Given his displays in the Premier League this season, many United fans will have Anderson as their top target this January – especially after his display against them earlier this month.
The 23-year-old featured for the entire contest at the City Ground, creating three chances and completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted – subsequently showcasing his talents in possession.
Without the ball, he was just as impressive, as seen by his 100% tackle success rate and 14 recoveries made – with the latter the highest of any player on the pitch.
He’s featured in every minute of the Premier League campaign for the Reds to date, undoubtedly being one of their key men, with the £100m price tag reflecting his importance to Sean Dyche’s men.
The Red Devils will have to match such a few to prise him away, but the hierarchy will no doubt be targeting other alternatives to try and improve the midfield department.
Neves is just one player who is on their radar, with the 28-year-old potentially offering a more experienced and cheaper option for Amorim’s current squad.
He made 177 appearances for Wolves before his switch to join Al Hilal, but could be available for as little as £20m this summer, with the player himself open to a return to England.
His stats from the Saudi Pro League this season showcase his talents, certainly backing up the praise he’s received from one analyst in the last few years.
Neves has completed 91% of the passes he’s attempted, subsequently creating 1.4 chances per 90 – which has led Raj Chohan to label him as “the most underrated player in world football”.
Games played
8
Goals scored
3
Passes completed
91%
Chances created
1.4
Touches per game
97
Times dispossessed
0
Duels won
59%
Recoveries made
5.1
The former Wolves star has also averaged 97 touches per 90 this season, whilst being dispossessed zero times in his eight league appearances this campaign – further showcasing his talents in possession.
Without the ball, Neves has been just as impressive in recent months, subsequently winning 59% of his duels per 90, whilst also making 5.1 recoveries per 90 at present.
His box-to-box nature could allow Amorim’s men to finally end their pursuit for a new number six, which could see Anderson sounded out until the summer at least.
Neves’ Portuguese compatriot Bruno Fernandes is already one of the starting midfielders in the squad, with the pair able to take the club to the next level if they can replicate their success at international level.
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