Additionally, the team strengthened other positions by signing Rasmus Hojlund as a striker, goalkeepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, and defenders Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon (on loan). Unfortunately, Manchester United has had a tough start to the season, losing six out of their first 11 games in all competitions, including four out of eight in the Premier League, placing them in 10th position in the league table.
Despite the challenging start, manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly interested in bolstering the squad in the January transfer window. The Sun reports that Manchester United has dispatched scouts to observe Joao Neves, the 19-year-old Benfica midfielder, closely in Portugal.
According to the report, Manchester United scouts were present to witness Neves' performance as a substitute in Benfica's recent 1-0 victory against Estoril in the Primeira Liga.
Joao Neves made a name for himself in Benfica's first-team squad after the departure of Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea for £107 million in January. He featured in 19 matches in various competitions during the second half of the previous season. In the current season, Neves has made 11 appearances for Benfica, including five starts in the Primeira Liga and two starts in the Champions League group stage.
His impressive performances have earned him his first senior call-up to the Portugal national team by manager Roberto Martinez, where he will feature in the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina this month. It's worth noting that Benfica is in no rush to sell Neves, as he is under contract until June 2028 and has a release clause rumored to be around £103 million.
