Bruno Fernandes admits he would love the chance to play alongside Benfica starlet Joao Neves at Manchester United.

Neves, a 19-year-old player, has admirably stepped up in Benfica’s midfield following Enzo Fernandez’s transfer to Chelsea in January. In the current season, he has played in 11 first-team matches and notably scored a crucial equalizer in the derby against Sporting Lisbon before the international break. Manchester United showed interest in the young talent during the summer transfer window, with their scouts present at the Lisbon derby to closely follow his development.

Neves earned a spot in the Portugal squad this month, having debuted in international play during October’s break. Ahead of the European Championship qualifier against Iceland, Fernandes was asked about his young teammate. Although acknowledging that the final decision lies with Erik ten Hag in Manchester, the United captain expressed confidence in Neves, stating he has a promising future.

‘It has to be the Man United coach who says whether he has a place or not,’ Fernandes said.

‘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’.

Despite the summer signings of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat, Manchester United has faced midfield challenges. Mason Mount, a former Chelsea player, has only started one of the team’s last seven games, while Sofyan Amrabat remained unused in the last two Premier League matches. Recently, manager Erik ten Hag has favored the duo of Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen, but Eriksen’s knee injury, sustained against Luton, will compel the manager to make adjustments once again.