Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has urged Joao Neves to stay at Benfica amid links to Old Trafford.
The Serbian star has disrupted United’s transfer plans by providing a piece of advice to the Portuguese midfield sensation.
The 19-year-old has been putting up phenomenal performances for Benfica this season and has attracted interest from several top clubs including Man Utd.
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However, Matic believes that the player should stay at his current club as it would be too early for him to make a move. As quoted by Portuguese outlet O Jojo, the former United ace said:
“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.”
“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.”
However, Bruno Fernandes has said the exact opposite when asked about Neves moving to United. He said to SportTV:
“I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump. He is an excellent player. He’s with the national team – that’s also why the big clubs are after him.”
Neves remains a priority target for the Red Devils and he can form a strong partnership with teenage talent Kobbie Mainoo. The Benfica star will be a top player for the English giants and a wise long-term signing.
It wouldn’t be too early for the player to move to a big club. Other youngsters have made an early call in their careers and are progressing well.
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The Portuguese maestro is a quality player and needs the right platform to express his talent. Moving to the Premier League will test his strengths.
Man United will be monitoring the player closely but it remains to be seen whether the club is ready to pay a record transfer fee to land the Benfica star.
