Manchester United told to avoid Wolves star in January transfer window

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves “would not fit” into Manchester United’s new system, according to former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson, with the now-pundit suggesting he isn’t a Ralf Rangnick type of player.

Rangnick is new to United, after replacing the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a short-term deal, before taking up a new role at the end of the current season.

He has been widely labelled the ‘father of the gegenpress’ and has inspired and even tutored the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.

As he implements a new style of football at Old Trafford, it is thought that some of their old targets may now be overlooked, if they do not fit the new regime at United.

One of those targets is Wolves’ Neves, who has been the subject of transfer interest from United for some time now.

The former Porto midfielder has been a revelation for Wolves since making his £15 million move in 2017, and his impact was so great the Wolves’ hierarchy tied him down to a contract that runs until 2024.

The fresh links between Neves and United come as Rangnick is reportedly looking to bolster his options in the midfield department.

Rangnick hinted at the glaring fragility of the commonly-used pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred earlier in the season. He said: “They made one or two or three mistakes, especially in the first half there were two square passes; one from Scott, one from Fred.

“I don’t like those kinds of balls in midfield in those positions. But overall, when the other team is in possession of the ball, both Fred and Scotty are almost perfect for that kind of football.”

The lack of creativity saw rumours begin again that Neves should come to the Theatre of Dreams, but Robinson doubts he is the right man to reinvigorate United’s midfield.

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson said: “Neves is a top player.

“I like his creativity and I like what he can do on the ball. Defensively, I am not so sure that he is a [Ralf] Rangnick player though.

“When I look at their squad, I cannot see where he’d fit in.

“I think he is ready to play at a big club and at that level because he’s a top player. He needs to be playing Champions League football.”