Reportedly, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been persuaded to acquire Joao Neves, a star player for Benfica, by the club, which is eager to replace a player who could become the first major casualty of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.

The official ratification of the British billionaire’s £1.4 billion investment in Manchester United is imminent; this will grant Ratcliffe a 25% ownership interest in the Glazers’ company. Although it falls short of the grand gathering that numerous supporters would have anticipated, they will be hopeful that it signifies the commencement of a prosperous era at Old Trafford.

Additionally, Ratcliffe appears anxious to establish himself as soon as possible within the club. United announced the departure of chief executive Richard Arnold on Wednesday, adding to the imminent departures of two other prominent club figures.

Additionally, significant alterations to the playing staff are anticipated. Ratcliffe will be entrusted with the responsibility of supervising the transfer department at Old Trafford, which has been the primary source of disappointment for the club in recent times.

In an attempt to achieve this, United have wasted well over £1 billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. Ten Hag has been awarded more than £400 million of that, and while the 2022/23 season was successful, all things United-related have experienced a significant reduction of expectations this season.

Casemiro, one of the most expensive acquisitions of his era, has apparently been singled out as an illustration of the club’s multimillion-dollar waste.

In fact, United spent £70 million to acquire the Brazilian from Real Madrid, notwithstanding the widespread belief in the Spanish capital that the 30-year-old’s “legs had gone” at the time.

Although Casemiro had a stellar debut season for United, Ratcliffe believes the club will receive little to no return on its investment in him.

Moreover, as the 75-times-capped Brazil international is now strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and rumors circulate that Ratcliffe desires his departure, focus has shifted to his potential replacement.

Joao Neves of Benfica appears to be the much younger player that Ratcliffe is certain is completely capable of replacing Casemiro and that Ten Hag has been persuaded to sign him.

In fact, we reported exclusively in October that Manchester United were closely monitoring the Benfica midfielder’s situation in preparation for a potential transfer.

Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that Manchester United have been closely monitoring him over the past few weeks. According to the Portuguese outlet Record, United manager Erik Ten Hag is now “absolutely certain” that he wants to bring the adolescent to Old Trafford.

However, separating him from the Portuguese behemoths will not be simple. The release clause of the 19-year-old’s contract with Benfica, which runs until 2028, is a staggering €120 million (£104.7 million).

Nevertheless, United, who maintain a strong rapport with his agent, Jorge Mendes, are reportedly the only club capable of acquiring him during the January transfer window at this time.

In addition, both Juventus and Chelsea are interested in Joao Neves. Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad is not interested in acquiring a new midfielder; in January, they will concentrate on signing a new striker and a new central defender. Juven simply lacks the financial resources to make such a move.

Reportedly, Joao Neves has no immediate plans to depart the Estadio da Luz, considering the breakthrough season he has experienced there.

Nevertheless, considering Bruno Fernandes’ determination to join forces with his Portugal comrade at Old Trafford, the Red Devils may have a legitimate opportunity to acquire the signature of Casemiro through the sale of the teenager and the £200,000 per week in savings.

Neves experienced a significant breakthrough at Benfica in January, subsequent to Enzo Fernandez’s transfer to Chelsea. The player, who was described as a composed, energetic, tough-tackling midfielder with an exceptional pass-eye, has since amassed two goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.