Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says he “would love” to play alongside international teammate Joao Neves at club level.

The Benfica midfielder has made cameo appearances for Portugal in their last three matches and, when asked about the 19-year-old following the 2-0 win over Iceland at the weekend, Fernandes said:

“It has to be the Man United coach who says whether he has a place or not. He’s a great player, I don’t know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas.”

“But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional, he will have a bright future wherever he goes. I would love to have him by my side. Because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him.”

United have been linked with Neves

The Portuguese international has been mentioned as a potential transfer target for the Red Devils in recent months, and some reports have even suggested that he could be Fernandes’s eventual successor at Old Trafford.

However, Neves won’t be sold on the cheap. His release clause is set at €120m (£105m) and Benfica are under no pressure to sell him at the moment.

What do fans need to know about Neves?

The midfielder came through Benfica’s academy before he made his debut for the first team against Club Brugge during the Champions League last 16 tie in February 2022.

Neves scored his first senior goal against Sporting Lisbon at the end of last season. In fact, his 2 goals for Benfica have been scored against their Lisbon rivals, having hit the back of the net to equalise in the 2-1 win earlier this month.

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