According to journalist Jorge Nicola, Manchester United have offered €50 million to Ajax in their pursuit of David Neres. The Red Devils have reportedly signed Harry Maguire on a record deal and are now keen to secure the services of a forward. However, the Dutch giants want around €70 million for Neres – a fee that could be problematic for United in their bid to comply with the Financial Fair Play(FFP) rules.
Will Neres succeed at Manchester United?
Neres was one of Ajax’s best players in their successful 2018/19 campaign that saw them lift the Eredivisie title as well as reach the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League. The Brazilian was involved in 27 goals in 50 matches in all competitions, though only four of which came in Europe.
The 22-year-old has been one of the most consistent attackers in the Eredivisie. But most importantly, he has also been able to replicate his performances for the Brazilian national team, notably starring for Selecao in their recent Copa America triumph earlier this summer.
Hence, Neres might actually be ready to cope with the pressure of playing at Manchester United despite his lack of experience in senior football.
How will he fit into the Man United setup?
Neres’ potential addition to Old Trafford will strengthen Manchester United’s wide-attacking department. The Red Devils already signed Daniel James earlier this summer. And the Brazilian, to that end, will offer Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer with an additional option, which could be useful given how Alexis Sanchez and Anthony Martial have struggled with consistency.
A right-winger by nature, it will be hard to accomodate Neres into Solskjaer’s 4-3-1-2 setup. However, reverting to a 4-2-3-1 setup will allow the Brazilian as well as another winger to take charge of the wider attacking positions. But, it is unlikely that the Norwegian will deploy Marcus Rashford as the lone striker, which leads to our third point.
A striker should be a priority
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has been a subject of a move away from Old Trafford. The Belgian international has already expressed his desire to play in Italy, and a move to Juventus is reportedly edging closer, with the forward agreeing personal terms with the club.
Lukaku’s potential departure will create a huge void in the attacking department, thus accentuating the need for a new striker. And investing in Neres, in that regard, will make it harder for United to fund a move for a new number nine.
Mario Mandzukic has been one of the names suggested. But, the Croatian, at the age of 33, cannot be considered as a long-term option. Hence, it would perhaps be wiser for United to drop their pursuit of Neres and set their sights on a new forward.
