Man Utd urged to sign £20m former Premier League star: 'Absolutely perfect'

Manchester United are keen to dip into the January transfer market (Picture: Getty)

Paul Parker has urged Manchester United to pursue a deal for former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves in the January transfer window.

United remain in the market for a new central midfielder, although they are expected to wait until the summer to launch moves for long-term targets Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton .

Carlos Baleba is another who remains on the Red Devils’ radar, but Brighton have shown no interest in entertaining a potential sale, with the Cameroonian under contract until 2028.

Regardless, United are still keen to sign a midfielder this month to bolster the options available for new interim head Michael Carrick.

The latest reports have linked United with a move for Neves , whose contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal expires at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old, who helped Al-Hilal win the league and cup double last year, could be available for just £20million, and Parker believes the Portguese midfielder would make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

‘That would make a lot of sense, but you’ve got to look at the wages that come with it, because where he’s just coming from,’ Parker told Metro via online casinos UK .

Ruben Neves is a target for Manchester United in January (Picture: Getty)

‘I have always been a fan of his. He would definitely steady that midfield and would be absolutely perfect in there.

‘When you talk about a passing range and someone who’s got everything right; his touch; his discipline, everything that he does is what everyone is looking for in that role he plays.’

Parker also believes that the signing of Neves would free up Bruno Fernandes to play further up the pitch, having been deployed deeper in a two-man midfield by Ruben Amorim for large parts of this season.

Michael Carrickhas replaced Ruben Amorim (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Amorim wanted Fernandes to play that role but Fernandes can’t do it because he’s not disciplined enough,’ the former United full-back added.

‘If Fernandes if he’s going to play for Manchester United, he’s got to play further forward and allow someone else to do that.

‘As much as Fernandes wants to put a cape on and be Superman and do everything, he can’t do it. It’s as simple as that.

‘He hasn’t got the discipline. He gets too emotional. While you look at Neves and he’s a completely different player. Completely different.

@metrosportuk Is Carrick a good choice for United? 🤷‍♂️ Manchester United legend Michael Carrick has reportedly emerged as the favourite to step in as caretaker manager for the Red Devils following Ruben Amorim’s sacking, is it actually a good idea to bring him in? #carrick #manchesterunited #middlesbrough #premierleague #championship ♬ original sound – Metro Sport

‘So, yes, someone like him does fit it. They need that kind of player, and if he’s still got what he had before he left the UK and he comes back and he’s still got the same appetite, then that’s a major bonus.’

Meanwhile, Parker also insisted that the time is right for United to let Harry Maguire leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Maguire has made 175 Premier League appearances since arriving from Leicester City in 2019, but Parker believes that keeping the Englishman at the club could stiffle the progression of younger defenders in the squad.

‘You’ve got so many younger and better centre-halves there,’ he said.

‘Why are you keeping on somebody like him who’s done his time? Let him move on and go and get regular football somewhere else rather than be at best a bit-part player.

‘You can’t be a bit-part player at his age and where he plays, to be perfectly honest, I just don’t think it works.

‘I think the club need to move on and get rid of the old dressing room stories and try and spice it up a bit by getting something a little bit more modern and new-look.’