Former Manchester United player Nemanja Matic advises Joao Neves against joining Old Trafford, hinting at Champions League concerns

Neves, a coveted talent from Benfica, is being pursued by Manchester United, among other clubs, with a hefty price tag attached.

Joao Neves Asked To Avoid Manchester United Move
Bruno de Carvalho/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Neves has been strongly linked with a transfer to Manchester United, who seem willing to invest heavily to secure the young talent from Benfica. Despite being just 19 years old, Neves has not committed his future to Benfica, although he is under contract with the club until 2028. Liverpool and Chelsea have also shown interest in Neves, with reports suggesting his release clause is set at €120 million (£102m/£130m).

Nemanja Matic, who has experience playing for both Benfica and Manchester United, has expressed admiration for Neves but advised against a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season. Matic believes Neves should remain at Benfica to further his development and participate in Champions League football, an opportunity unlikely to be available at United next season.

In an interview with O Jogo, Matic stated, “I think it’s too early for him to take that step of leaving. If it were him, I would stay at Benfica for a few more years to play in the Champions League and to mature more. I’m sure his time will come and, therefore, he doesn’t need to rush. Joao is already at a big club at this point. I’m sure his future at Benfica will be very good. I think it’s too early to leave, but of course, in the end, it’s always his decision. ”

Matic praised Neves, remarking, “He is fantastic. At just 19 years old, he is a fantastic player. He is the future of Benfica. Of course he has interested some Premier League clubs too. I really like these types of players, who are young but play with a lot of maturity.”

Manchester United appears poised for significant changes in the upcoming summer transfer window following a disappointing campaign. Uncertainty looms over Erik ten Hag’s tenure as manager, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe is seeking to bolster his staff with the additions of Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox. New signings are expected, especially in midfield, where finding a successor for Casemiro appears to be a priority.

João Neves

João Pedro Gonçalves Neves

Midfielder

PortugalPortugal

Age: 20

174 cm

kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 30 1 Missed
Minutes 2046 68.2 Avg
Goals 3 0.1 Avg
Assist 0 0.0 Avg
Attempt 54 1.8 Avg
Passes 1759 58.683.8% AvgSucc
Yellow 3 0.1 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 5 times for 450 minutes for Europa League.

João Neves didn’t score any goal for Benfica. He procured no assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in Europa League. In the last match Benfica won 3-0 against Moreirense.

Benfica performance and stats

Benfica

Manager: Roger Schmidt
Rank 2nd
Win 24
Draw 4
Loss 3
Goals 71-25
Diff 46
Rank 3rd
Win 1
Draw 1
Loss 4
Goals 7-11
Diff -4
This season

In the last 5 games, it has won 3 times and drawn twice. In its last match, Benfica won 2-1 against Olympique Marseille.​​

Benfica will play the next match in Europa League against Olympique Marseille on Thursday 18th of April in Marseille. The prediction is Olympique Marseille winning the match.​

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United

Manager: Erik ten Hag
Rank 6th
Win 16
Draw 6
Loss 12
Goals 52-51
Diff 1
Rank 4th
Win 1
Draw 1
Loss 4
Goals 12-15
Diff -3

Manchester United is currently 7th in the Premier League with 50 points.

In the last 32 games, it has won 15 times, drawn 5 times, and lost 12 times. In its last match, Manchester United drawn 2-2 against AFC Bournemouth.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 47 goals and conceding 48.​

Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Newcastle United on Saturday 20th of April in Manchester.​