Manchester United ‘consider him lost’ – Red Devils giving up after player snubs them

Manchester United have scouted nearly every game Joao Neves has played for Benfica, and the Premier League club are big fans of the midfielder.

In recent weeks there’s been claims of €60m offers from both the Red Devils and PSG. At the time it was stated Benfica had rejected both of those, and then there were further claims of a €70m PSG offer.

Benfica president Rui Costa needs a big sale this summer and eyes have turned to Joao Neves. Initial ideas of wanting €100m+ may have been fanciful, yet claims this week that PSG could get him for €70m including bonuses makes it look like a good deal.

In reality, this should likely have been handled better by Rui Costa. Benfica offered Joao Neves a renewal which wasn’t at the level required and that unsettled him. The club have also failed to secure big sales they’re keener on, which put the focus on the midfielder.

They now seem pressured into agreeing a deal.

Record report Joao Neves himself has chosen PSG over Manchester United, a stance which feels questionable given the decline of Ligue 1’s prominence.

His decision is explained as being motivated by Luis Enrique’s faith in him and the manager being open to betting on youngsters.

Manchester United ‘consider him lost’ and are walking away, as far as Record have it.

The 19-year-old may have been better advised to stay at Benfica for another year, but the situation hasn’t been handled well and that leaves it all here.