The transfer window drama is never too far from Old Trafford, and once again, Manchester United are in the thick of it. With the summer window approaching and whispers growing louder by the day, a fresh top transfer target has now emerged on United’s radar. Add to that a surprise show of support from none other than Cristiano Ronaldo for young striker Rasmus Hojlund, and things are really starting to heat up in Manchester.

So, what’s the latest? Let’s break it all down.

United's Summer Overhaul Begins Early

If there’s one thing every Manchester United fan can agree on, it’s that this squad still needs serious fine-tuning. Despite flashes of brilliance this season, inconsistency has plagued Erik ten Hag’s side. Injuries, shaky form, and a lack of squad depth have exposed the gaps that need filling—and the club’s decision-makers are already on the move.

According to multiple sources close to the club, United have identified a new top transfer target to lead their next phase of rebuilding: João Neves, the young midfield sensation from Benfica. At just 19, Neves has turned heads in Portugal with his mature performances, composed passing, and tactical awareness beyond his years.

He’s been dubbed “the next Enzo Fernández” by some Portuguese pundits, and it’s no surprise that Manchester United—who missed out on Fernández before he joined Chelsea—are looking to move fast this time.

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Who is João Neves?

Let’s pause for a moment—because unless you’ve been tuning in to Liga Portugal Bwin every weekend, you might not be entirely familiar with João Neves. Born in Tavira, Portugal, Neves joined Benfica's youth system early and quickly rose through the ranks. This season, he's become a regular starter under Roger Schmidt and has impressed scouts with his work rate, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo from deep.

He's been deployed mainly as a defensive midfielder, but he possesses the versatility to push forward and link up with attackers when needed. For United, who have long lacked a consistent presence in the middle alongside Casemiro—or to eventually succeed him—Neves could be a game-changer.

What’s more, he's known to be mentally strong and tactically disciplined—two qualities that Ten Hag values highly.

The Price Tag and the Competition

Now, as with any young prodigy lighting up European football, the big question is: how much?

Benfica are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £60-70 million. That’s no small sum, but given the prices being paid for top talent in today’s market (we’re looking at you, Enzo and Declan), it's within the realm of possibility for United—especially under new ownership influences and a financial reshuffling expected this summer.

Of course, United aren’t the only ones circling. Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and even Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on Neves, so if United are serious, they'll need to make their move sooner rather than later.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Surprise Message to Højlund

Meanwhile, in a bit of wholesome news, Cristiano Ronaldo—yes, CR7 himself—has reportedly reached out to Rasmus Højlund with a message of support.

Højlund, who joined United last summer from Atalanta, had a slow start to life in the Premier League. But to his credit, he’s shown grit, improvement, and has recently found some goal-scoring form. For a young striker bearing the weight of expectations at a club like Manchester United, that’s no small feat.

According to reports in the Portuguese media, Ronaldo, who famously mentored younger players during his time at United, sent a message encouraging Højlund to stay confident and keep working hard. The two share a mutual connection through agent Jorge Mendes’ network, and while Ronaldo now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia, it seems he’s still keeping an eye on his former club.

For Højlund, that kind of backing is massive. Imagine being a 21-year-old striker and receiving a confidence boost from arguably the greatest forward of all time. It's the kind of moment that could spark a real turning point in a player's mindset.

Ten Hag’s Vision Taking Shape

This summer is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal transfer windows in recent Manchester United history. Ten Hag has slowly been molding this squad in his image—bringing in players like Lisandro Martínez, André Onana, and Højlund himself. But there's a clear sense that the Dutchman isn't done yet.

João Neves could very well be the missing puzzle piece in the midfield. There’s also the possibility that United may pursue reinforcements in other areas—namely at centre-back and possibly a backup striker to help lighten the load on Højlund.

The message coming out of the club is clear: youth, energy, and tactical intelligence are the way forward. United are no longer looking to buy big names just for the sake of headlines. Instead, they’re targeting players who fit the system and can grow with the team.

What This Means for the Fans

For United supporters, it's been a rollercoaster few years, no doubt. But signs of a clearer direction and purpose are finally emerging. The João Neves rumors are exciting not just because of his talent, but because it signals a shift toward building a sustainable, competitive squad.

Combine that with the little things—like Ronaldo’s message to Højlund—and you start to see a more positive atmosphere brewing behind the scenes.

It’s no secret that United fans want their club to be back at the top, not just as a business machine, but as a footballing powerhouse. To do that, they’ll need players who bleed for the badge, understand the weight of wearing that red shirt, and have the talent to match the ambition.

Looking Ahead

Expect more updates on the João Neves front as the window approaches. Watch out for potential outgoings too—players like Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, and even Christian Eriksen could be heading for the exit as Ten Hag reshapes his midfield.

As for Højlund, with Ronaldo’s words ringing in his ears and a more consistent run of games under his belt, the Danish forward could be poised for a breakout second season. If United can find the right supporting cast around him, there's every chance he could thrive.

And who knows? Maybe one day, he’ll be sending words of encouragement to the next rising star at Old Trafford.