“The next Rodri” – Mark Goldbridge delighted after hearing who Man Utd could sign


Joao Neves from Benfica is allegedly a target for Manchester United to sign this summer. It makes sense that The United Stand host Mark Goldbridge is thrilled with the news and even referred to the stunning 19-year-old as “the next Rodri.”

Erik ten Hag, or whoever happens to be in charge come August, has a major task ahead of them. The previous season saw the Red Devils have their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing eighth on 60 points. They will be hoping to reclaim their position as one of the top teams in 2024–2025.

With that comes a big summer of change. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS-led team will be working tirelessly to ensure that Manchester United get the names they desire in the summer transfer window.

Mark Goldbridge Hails Neves as ‘The Next Rodri’

‘It’s encouraging. I hope there’s something in it’

Benfica has developed into a talent factory over the years, producing players from its academy like Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Dias. But Neves is the most recent name to become well-known.

The central midfielder, who has a mature brain on youthful shoulders, has been an important member of Benfica ever since he made his way into the senior team. Neves, who is only 19 years old, is highly sought-after, and whoever signs him this summer will secure their defensive midfield spot going forward.

Neves, Casemiro and Amrabat – 23/24 League Stats Compared
Statistic Neves Casemiro Amrabat
Minutes 2,318 1,987 933
Goals/Assists 3/1 1/2 0/0
Pass success rate (%) 89.9 82.6 88.1
Tackles per game 2 3.3 1.3
Interceptions per game 1.1 0.7 0.4
Overall rating 7.21 6.97 6.24

The career-defining transfer for the six-capped Portugal international Neves, who was born in Tavira, appears to be imminent as he is attracting interest from numerous European clubs, including Arsenal, who have apparently been scouting him.


Goldbridge stated that the reports involving Neves and Manchester United are “encouraging” while acknowledging that he thinks a move to their local rivals, Manchester City, is more plausible in a video posted on The United Stand YouTube channel. He was dubbed “the next Rodri” as well.
“It’s encouraging. I hope there’s something in it. I have spoken about Joao Neves a few times. I don’t have a Benfica season ticket and I don’t watch a lot of them. But what I have seen of him, and I remember talking about him in January when we were doing a show and he was mentioned, is that I genuinely think he goes to Manchester City and becomes the next Rodri.”

Man Utd ‘Expect’ to Complete £75m Move for Branthwaite

The 13-time Premier League champions are in desperate need of a defensive midfielder, but they are also considering signing a new centre back, according to The Athletic. This is especially true after Raphael Varane said goodbye to the supporters following the final game of the 2023–24 season.

Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton is the player Manchester United is eyeing to replace the outgoing Frenchman. After a standout season on Merseyside, the 21-year-old is on the club’s shortlist, and the management anticipates signing him by the end of June, according to Liverpool Echo.

According to the report, Manchester United are looking to pounce on Everton’s financial situation by getting a deal done before the month concludes. The Toffees are standing strong in their position, however, and will refuse to let the sought-after ace go for less than £75 million.


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