How Joao Neves fits into Manchester United's dream XI with five new signings

Manchester United will already have an eye on what business will need to be conducted during the summer transfer window.

The 2023/24 season has largely been a disappointment for United, although there is still a chance to finish the campaign with silverware in the form of the FA Cup. In the Premier League, though, the Reds are in eighth place and in danger of missing out on qualifying for Europe altogether.

Erik ten Hag's future as manager has been the subject of speculation. Despite the uncertainty, United continue to be linked with several potential new signings.

Benfica midfielder Joao Neves is the latest player to be linked with a move to Old Trafford. Portuguese news outlet Record are reporting that United are preparing to make an official move for Neves this summer, although an offer is yet to be made.

Neves is reported to have a €120 million (£103 million) release clause in his contract at Benfica. However, it's unclear if United would need to activate the clause in order to get a deal over the line or negotiate a lower fee with Benfica.

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Should Neves be signed by United then he could take on the starting No.6 role in the midfield, which is currently held by Casemiro. If a deal gets over the line then it could be the start of the Reds shaping their dream starting line-up for next season.

Neves is not the only player to be linked with United ahead of the summer transfer window. Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong has also been tipped to be a potential target, and would take on the right-back role were he to move to Old Trafford.

Juventus defender Gleison Bremer is a target for United as they consider centre-back reinforcements. The Brazilian is one of several central defensive targets for United, with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba also under consideration by the club's hierarchy.

Neves would take his place in the No.6 role if signed by United this summer. He could be joined by club captain Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, who has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign for the Reds.

The forward line could also undergo some changes. Rasmus Hojlund is the striker signed for United's future, while Alejandro Garnacho is also viewed as a player with a long-term future at Old Trafford. That leaves the right wing department of the squad, which is currently taken up by Antony and Garnacho, in the latter's case when Marcus Rashford gets the nod.

Crystal Palace star Michael Olise has been heavily linked with a move to United for several months. Should the Reds decide to bring Olise to Old Trafford, then he could take on the role on the right wing starting from next season.

United dream line-up for 2024/25: Onana; Frimpong, Bremer, Branthwaite, Dalot; Neves, Fernandes, Mainoo; Olise, Hojlund, Garnacho