Man Utd ‘Submit Formal Offer’ for Player Hours After Man City Win

Manchester United have made a 'formal offer' for a player just hours after claiming a famous 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City.

Michael Carrick made the perfect start to his reign as head coach, with United moving into the top five thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.

The Red Devils were unfortunate not to win by a greater margin, having had three goals disallowed for offside.

However, there was plenty of encouragement for Carrick, who set the team up in a compact 4-4-2 out of possession, with United counter-attacking with energy and numbers.

United have made it clear that their target for the remainder of the season is to secure Champions League qualification, with their focus solely on the Premier League after being knocked out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle.

Michael Carrick celebrating a derby victory with Matheus Cunha (Image: Getty)

In an attempt to bolster their chances of qualifying for Europe, it has been suggested that United may enter the transfer market in January.

Midfield is the obvious area to target, with just Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte available as first-team options for two positions.

Although Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are believed to be at the top of United's shortlist, they are considered unattainable in January.

Former Wolves star Ruben Neves is also believed to be a target, with his Al-Hilal contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The Guardian recently reported that funds would be available for Carrick if Neves became available in January.

Now, Fichajes have reported that United have presented their 'first formal offer for Ruben Neves'.

Ruben Neves (Image: Getty)

They add that the Saudi club would 'seriously consider' a fee in the region of €23 million, and United's current offer is reportedly close to those demands.

According to The Sun, Neves is believed to earn around £300,000 per week at Al Hilal, meaning he would need to take a sizeable pay cut to complete a move to Old Trafford.

Club captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes is believed to be on a similar wage.

However, INEOS have sought to reduce United's wage bill since taking footballing control of the club, and Neves would be expected to earn significantly less than his compatriot.

The 28-year-old midfielder would also align with INEOS' drive to recruit Premier League-proven players, following the summer signings of Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo.

With Casemiro's contract set to expire in the summer and the futures of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte uncertain, midfield remains the priority position for United.

Kobbie Mainoo played his first 90 minutes in the Premier League this season in the derby and looks set to be a key component of Carrick's side.

Although the England international's contract expires in 2027, the club holds an option to extend it by a further year.

If he returns to the starting line-up on a regular basis, it feels inevitable that United will re-open contract talks with Mainoo.