Manchester United are now reportedly preparing a January offer to sign a key midfield target for Ruben Amorim.
Amorim: Mainoo is "the future of Man Utd"
For all the headlines that have surrounded Kobbie Mainoo’s future in recent months, Amorim has continued to insist that the Carrington graduate is the future of the club and that he still has a place in his Old Trafford plans.
The young midfielder has been forced to watch on from the bench this season, having been told to stay and fight for his place instead of leaving on loan in the summer. His brother then stole further headlines by wearing a “free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt at Old Trafford in Man United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
Amorim, however, has remained positive – telling reporters: “He’s going to be the future of Manchester United, that is my feeling. He just needs to wait for his chance and everything can change in football in two days.”
Whether that means a return to the side for the 20-year-old against Newcastle United is now the big question after he missed out against Aston Villa through injury.
The Red Devils play host to the Magpies in an attempt to get back to winning ways and potentially move above Liverpool in fifth before they play on Saturday.
It would be a key step ahead of the January transfer window, where Man United should be looking to end their unfinished business from the summer.
Crucially, the winter window offers them the chance to finally find an upgrade for Manuel Ugarte at the centre of their midfield. The former Paris Saint-Germain star has proved to be an unsuccessful signing and those at Old Trafford must now welcome a replacement.
Man Utd preparing January offer to sign Ruben Neves
According to Turkish outlet Sabah, as relayed by Sport Witness, Man United are now preparing an offer to sign Neves in the January transfer window. The Al-Hilal midfielder is reportedly ready to leave the Saudi Pro League next month and complete a return to European football.
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As such, Man United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined the race to welcome him back to the Premier League with open arms.
In terms of cost, whilst Al-Hilal’s asking price remains unclear, Neves’ wages could prove to be a problem. If the 28-year-old demands the same salary that he earns in Saudi Arabia, then Man United will have to seal a contract worth £294,000-a-week – making the midfielder one of their top earners.
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Whether INEOS deem Neves worth that price is the big question. Neves has been out of the Premier League since 2023 and there would be understandable doubts about his ability to simply slot straight back into place.