Manchester United tipped to move for “fabulous” Portugal international as replacement for Kobbie Mainoo

Portugal's Jose Sa, Ruben Neves, Pedro Neto, Francisco Trincao. (REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo)

Manchester United’s midfield situation is quickly becoming one of the biggest talking points at Old Trafford.

Kobbie Mainoo, once viewed as the club’s brightest academy gem, has found himself on the fringes under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

The England international has yet to start a Premier League match this season, sparking frustration among supporters — a feeling summed up when Mainoo’s brother was seen wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” shirt in the stands.

With Amorim unconvinced and United open to letting the youngster leave, attention is now turning to who could replace him.

And reports suggest the club may look to a familiar, proven Premier League name to steady the midfield.

Manchester United have been tipped to pursue a move for Rúben Neves as a potential replacement for Kobbie Mainoo when the January transfer window opens.

According to The Times, the Portugal international is actively seeking a return to the Premier League after deciding against extending his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The 28-year-old is understood to be determined to leave, with his club now exploring the possibility of selling him in January rather than losing him for free in the summer.

Neves, who has earned 63 caps for Portugal, is expected to attract strong interest due to his experience and affordability. While Al-Hilal initially paid £47m to sign him from Wolves in 2023, a fee well below £20m could now be enough to secure his services.

Described as “fabulous” by Charlie Nicholas, Neves’ reputation as a reliable, Premier League-proven defensive midfielder makes him an appealing option for United. He previously thrived in England under Nuno Espírito Santo at Wolves, making over 250 appearances and scoring 30 goals from midfield.

With Amorim struggling for balance in the middle of the park — and showing little faith in Mainoo or Manuel Ugarte — Neves is seen as a ready-made solution who could step straight into the starting XI. Casemiro remains the only established option, but at 33, he is rarely lasting full matches.

If United do allow Mainoo to leave on loan in January, a midfield addition would become unavoidable — and Neves looks increasingly like the answer for Amorim’s rebuild.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.