Ruben Neves now contacted by Manchester United

Manchester United’s midfield issues have quietly become one of the biggest problems Ruben Amorim has inherited, with a lack of depth, physical decline and contractual uncertainty all converging at the same time.

Casemiro, now 33, remains an important presence but is entering the final stretch of his United career, with his contract running until summer 2026.

Kobbie Mainoo’s situation adds further instability, with the academy graduate unsettled by his role and minutes.

At the same time, Bruno Fernandes, long the heartbeat of the side, has been linked internally to potential sales as part of a wider reset and is currently sidelined with an injury expected to keep him out for a couple of weeks.

Behind them, options are thin, forcing United to scan the market for midfielders who can deliver immediately rather than develop over time.

One such name is Rúben Neves, who has re-emerged on United’s radar with Al-Hilal open to selling him for a fee in the region of €20 million.

However, the biggest obstacle is not the transfer fee but the salary, as Neves is currently earning around £350,000 per week at Al-Hilal, a figure that would have been absorbed by the old Manchester United.

Despite this roadblock, Manchester United have established contact with the agents of Ruben Neves, according to Fabrizio Romano.

There have been discussions held to understand the situation to facilitate a transfer in the summer. Real Madrid have also been sounding out the Portugal international, which would serve as a competition to Manchester United and Ruben Amorim’s ambition.

Neves, who built his Premier League reputation at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is keen on a return to England after rejecting a new contract in Saudi Arabia.

For a move to materialise, the Portugal international would almost certainly need to accept a significant reduction, aligning himself with United’s new recruitment strategy of proven Premier League quality on sustainable contracts.