‘I can’t promise anything’… £105m player refuses to rule out leaving after Manchester United links

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In the last month or so, Erik ten Hag’s project at Manchester United has finally started to show signs of progress.

A young core of players seems to be emerging at Old Trafford, providing fresh reason to think ten Hag could enjoy success after all.

The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho now look so settled in the starting eleven, and Rasmus Hojlund has also found his confidence.

There’s a lot to be optimistic about.

And when looking to the future, and who Manchester United may sign in the summer, it’s now easier to imagine the kind of profile that will benefit the squad.

That’s not to say that ten Hag doesn’t still need to undergo a clear out in order to progress his project at United, several players need to be moved on.

But in this new era of decision making under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there’s reason to believe that things will improve, especially if Dan Ashworth does arrive at the club.

All that being said, a deal for Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, who Man United have often been linked with, could represent a great start for that team.

And a recent update via Fabrizio Romano should be cause for encouragement.

Joao Neves refuses to rule out Benfica exit amid links to Erik ten Hag’s United project

Romano shared some quotes from Neves on X today, which left the door open regarding his Benfica future.

The midfielder, who is believed to have a £105m release clause, stopped short of ruling out an exit from his boyhood club in the coming summer.

Neves said: “Staying at Benfica next year? I can’t promise anything for next season”.

“My wish at the moment is to stay at Benfica and then we will see, you never know”.

And whilst any interest in Neves seems to be at a very early stage, signing a midfielder of his quality could be an excellent idea.

Neves is thought to have similar potential to the likes of Rodri and Declan Rice at Manchester City and Arsenal respectively.

And perhaps the 19-year-old could be the perfect player to sit alongside Mainoo at United, a duo who could massively propel ten Hag’s project.

It may all be very hypothetical for now, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Man United were a lot more efficient in the summer window.

That being said, it seems the club have already begun work on an exciting deal.