Man United Have Green Light to Sign £35m Bargain or Free Agent to Fulfil Paul Scholes’ Transfer Wish
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a midfield reinforcement that could finally address a long-standing gap in their squad — a position club legend Paul Scholes has spoken about for years. With the summer transfer window approaching and budgetary constraints factoring into decision-making, United have received the green light to pursue either a £35 million bargain deal or snap up a quality free agent — both of whom could slot into the midfield and bring balance, creativity, and control.
Scholes, known for his pinpoint passing, intelligence, and deep-lying playmaking abilities, has long called for the club to recruit a midfielder capable of dictating tempo and maintaining possession under pressure — someone in the mould of himself, Michael Carrick, or even Toni Kroos. United have lacked such a player since Carrick retired, despite attempts with Fred, Donny van de Beek, and Christian Eriksen.
Now, it seems the club may finally act to fulfil Scholes’ long-held transfer wish.
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Paul Scholes’ Midfield Vision: What Has He Said?
Paul Scholes has never been shy about giving his opinion on United’s midfield issues. Over the past few seasons, he’s highlighted the lack of a player who can “control a game with calmness” and “dictate the rhythm” from deeper areas. After multiple frustrating defeats and underwhelming performances, Scholes often pointed to United’s failure to replace himself or Carrick — and emphasized that no midfield can thrive without a composed passer at its base.
> “We haven’t had a proper playmaker since Michael Carrick. Someone who just gets on the ball and keeps the game ticking. We’re missing control,” Scholes told BT Sport in 2023.
That player may now be within reach — and United are reportedly moving quickly to avoid competition.
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Option One: João Neves – The £35 Million Bargain
United’s top target, according to various sources, is João Neves, the 19-year-old midfield prodigy from Benfica. His current release clause is closer to €120 million, but it’s believed Benfica may accept around £35-£40 million plus add-ons if structured creatively, especially with financial pressure and the player’s desire to play in the Premier League.
Profile:
Age: 19
Club: Benfica
Nationality: Portuguese
Position: Deep-lying playmaker / box-to-box midfielder
Key Traits: Vision, press resistance, ball control, intelligence
Neves has been dubbed the “next Enzo Fernández” due to his sharp passing range, ability to receive under pressure, and maturity beyond his years. He dictates tempo in midfield and excels at progressing play — attributes Scholes has specifically asked for in past interviews.
United scouts have reportedly watched Neves over a dozen times this season, and Erik ten Hag is believed to be an admirer of his game intelligence and calmness in tight spaces.
Acquiring Neves for around £35 million would represent incredible value considering his potential, age, and United’s long-term needs. With Casemiro aging and Eriksen often unavailable, a player like Neves could anchor United’s midfield for the next decade.
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Option Two: Adrien Rabiot – The Free Agent Alternative
If the Neves deal stalls or Benfica raise their demands, United have a fallback: Adrien Rabiot, the French international and Juventus midfielder who will be available for free this summer.
United came close to signing Rabiot in 2022 but pulled out due to wage demands. However, with INEOS now overseeing football operations and wages being restructured, talks have reportedly resumed. Rabiot is open to a move to the Premier League, and Ten Hag is said to admire his versatility, athleticism, and ability to carry the ball from deep.
Profile:
Age: 29
Club: Juventus
Nationality: French
Position: Central/box-to-box midfielder
Key Traits: Ball carrying, physicality, passing, aerial presence
While not a pure playmaker like Neves, Rabiot offers a different kind of control — one built on experience, engine, and presence. He can play as a No. 8 or even fill in as a deeper pivot when required. His composure and experience at the highest levels (World Cup, Champions League) make him an appealing short-term fix, particularly if funds are diverted to other positions like centre-back or striker.
Rabiot’s signing would also fulfil Scholes’ wish in part — offering more control, calmness, and tactical awareness in midfield than many of United’s current options.
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Why This Signing Is Crucial for Ten Hag
United’s midfield has lacked rhythm this season. Casemiro’s decline in mobility, Eriksen’s injuries, and McTominay’s more physical, forward-running style have created imbalance. Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a sensational talent, but even he needs a stable partner — someone with a cool head and crisp passing to allow him to flourish.
Whether it’s Neves, who could be moulded into a world-class anchor, or Rabiot, who brings immediate experience and balance, the signing of a composed midfielder is seen as vital to Ten Hag’s long-term vision.
Ten Hag wants to build a side that can control games, especially in Europe. Without a player who can recycle possession and provide a “reset” in pressure situations, United are always vulnerable to being overrun.
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Financial Situation: Bargain or Free – A Smart Window
With FFP concerns and an expected net spend limit this summer, the dual strategy of targeting one expensive but high-ceiling player (Neves) and one experienced, low-cost option (Rabiot) reflects a smarter transfer approach under INEOS.
The £35 million Neves deal would be considered a long-term investment, while Rabiot as a free agent offers flexibility. Either way, United are not looking to break the bank, but rather solve a key structural issue with efficiency and intent.
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Fan and Pundit Reaction
United fans have responded positively to both links. Neves is seen as a statement signing — a rising star who could become the heartbeat of United’s midfield. Rabiot, though divisive due to past controversies, is being viewed more pragmatically as a player with something to offer if used correctly.
Paul Scholes himself has not commented on either name directly, but based on his repeated emphasis on “midfield intelligence and tempo control”, both players fit the brief in different ways.
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Conclusion: A Long-Overdue Answer to a Scholes-Shaped Hole
It has taken nearly a decade since Paul Scholes retired, but Manchester United finally appear set to fill the void he left behind — not necessarily with a like-for-like replacement, but with a player who can bring balance, vision, and structure to their midfield.
Whether they move for the £35m bargain João Neves or land Adrien Rabiot on a free, the objective is clear: give United the control they’ve been crying out for and fulfil a transfer wish Paul Scholes — and many fans — have long championed.
This summer may not be about marquee signings, but about smart, surgical improvements. And if United get this r
ight, it could mark the beginning of a more balanced and composed team — finally built to win, not just react.
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