Richard Rios receives renewed interest from Manchester United

Midfield is shaping up to be Manchester United’s biggest headache heading into the summer.

A familiar name has re-emerged on their radar.

Manchester United had previously explored a move for Richard Rios before his switch to Benfica, and the Colombian has once again attracted serious attention from the Red Devils, as reported by AS Colombia.

Rios has endured a mixed spell in Lisbon filled with injuries and setbacks, yet those experiences have only strengthened his importance within the squad, turning him into a trusted figure under Jose Mourinho.

That trust, combined with strong backing from supporters, has convinced the 25-year-old that he is in the right place for now, with the midfielder keen to continue his development in Portugal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Clubs including Napoli, Inter Milan, AS Roma and Fulham are also tracking his situation, while United have re-entered the conversation as they prepare for a midfield rebuild.

Benfica’s stance, however, is clear, they are not interested in selling unless a truly exceptional offer arrives.

The Portuguese giants paid £23 million to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras in 2025, tying him down to a long-term contract that includes a release clause worth roughly £85 million.

And with the World Cup approaching, they are under no pressure to negotiate.

From a United perspective, the timing is complicated but the profile is attractive.

Rios has featured 43 times across all competitions this season, including 23 league appearances and regular involvement in the Champions League, giving him valuable experience at the highest level despite still being relatively new to European football.

Statistically, his output, including three league assists, does not immediately jump off the page, but that only tells part of the story.

This is a midfielder defined less by numbers and more by presence.

With Casemiro set to depart and Manuel Ugarte also likely to leave, United are preparing for a reset in that area of the pitch, while even Bruno Fernandes continues to face uncertainty over his long-term future.

Names like Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali remain high on the shortlist, but Richard Rios offers something slightly different, a South American edge that Old Trafford has historically embraced.

He plays with bite and emotion, the kind of midfielder who thrives in chaotic moments and lifts the intensity of those around him, which is exactly what United have lacked in key matches this season.

The question, however, is whether United are willing to meet Benfica’s demands for a player who, while highly promising, is still developing consistency at the top level.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!