Man Utd Lodge Bid for Neves as Mainoo Earns Fresh Chance Under Carrick

Manchester United have tabled a formal offer in their pursuit of Ruben Neves, the former Wolves midfielder currently at Al-Hilal, as they look to bolster their midfield options this month.

The Red Devils remain constrained by financial limitations and have previously needed to generate funds through player sales to finance summer spending. That pattern saw them raise approximately £230m through departures before investing in Benjamin Sesko, Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha—all ahead of a campaign without European football. Similar dynamics could shape their activity both now and in the summer window.

With a new goalkeeper installed and their attacking ranks refreshed last summer, Michael Carrick's outfit has identified midfield reinforcement as the next priority. Expect at least two signings in that area this calendar year, with Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson likely earmarked as marquee targets—though a summer move appears more probable for those names. Cheaper depth options could arrive sooner to address departures or limited availability among their current squad.

Neves represents a more immediately attainable prospect. The 28-year-old has spent recent seasons in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal but is approaching the end of his contract and harbours ambitions of returning to English football, where he previously impressed at Molineux.

Spanish media outlet Fichajes reports United have submitted a bid worth around €23m, with Al-Hilal giving the proposal serious consideration. However, two critical factors remain unresolved: the player's wage expectations and his personal preference on the move. Al-Hilal faces a genuine financial headache should Neves remain without a contract extension through June, creating urgency on their side.

Separately, Kobbie Mainoo's future at the club appears secure following a dramatic change in circumstances. The midfielder faced genuine uncertainty during Ruben Amorim's tenure but has been handed a lifeline by Carrick, earning his first Premier League start of the season in the Manchester derby—a performance that vindicated the new manager's faith.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mainoo is now primed to become a key player. "He made his first Premier League start of the season after not starting any league games under Ruben Amorim," Romano explained. "Man Utd won the derby, with Mainoo delivering a fantastic all-round performance that showed the trust placed in him by Michael Carrick."

That trust has effectively closed the door on loan departures. Several clubs, most notably Napoli, had pursued a temporary deal, but those options are now firmly off the table. With Carrick committed to managing the club through the season's conclusion, Mainoo appears destined for regular minutes—a crucial moment for both the player's development and United's midfield future.