Nemanja Matic sends transfer message to Joao Neves amid Manchester United links

Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has advised Joao Neves to stay at Benfica for now amid reports linking him with a move to Old Trafford.

United, who are gearing up to face Coventry City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley on Sunday, are set to be in the mix for a new defensive-midfielder this forthcoming summer. Casemiro, now 31, has regressed at an alarming rate this season and is need of replacing.

According to a report coming out of Portugal earlier this week, United have installed Neves, 19, as their top target for the summer. A report also claimed United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had 'met' Neves' agent – who is renowned 'super agent' Jorge Mendes – to 'discuss' the possibility of a transfer for the youngster.

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Neves has excelled for Benfica this season, racking up 50 appearances in all competitions and chipping in with three goals. Though he is primarily a defensive midfielder, he can also operate as a box-to-box midfield player.

Widely considered as one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe, links to clubs of United's stature comes as little surprise. However, former United star Matic – who spent five years at Old Trafford between 2017 and 2022 – believes it would be in the youngster's best interest to continue his development at Benfica for the time being.

"I think it's too early for him to take that step of leaving," Matic told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo. "If I were him, I would stay at Benfica for a few more years to play in the Champions League and to mature more.

"I'm sure his time will come and, therefore, he