Why Ruben Neves could be the dream replacement for Ander Herrera at Manchester United

After a weak start to the season, Ander Herrera is now becoming one of Manchester United’s most important players. It is noticeable that the Spaniard has been key in United’s recent resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Excelling in both defending and attacking, Herrera is a complete midfielder who cannot be easily replaced by United. Unfortunately, Herrera’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain because he is yet to receive a new contract while his current one expires at the end of the season. At 29, Herrera will also need a new long-term replacement soon.

Fred is having a disappointing season while Scott McTominay does not seem ready to start regularly for United. A recent report states that the Red Devils are interested in Ruben Neves. The 21-year-old has become a sensation for Wolverhampton this season. Now we will analyse why the Portuguese prodigy is suitable to replace Herrera.

Herrera is a reliable free-kick taker and could beat his opponents from a distance. Ruben Neves could do just that because he also has a lethal free-kick and would be very useful for United in a dead-ball situation.

The Portuguese player has created slightly more key passes than the Spaniard this season. This ability will provide United with better chances to score goals.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Newcastle United - Premier League

Many could notice that Herrera has been outstanding defensively for United this season. The Spaniard has amassed an average of 2.4 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game. These stats are better than those of some defenders.

Fortunately, Neves has also been doing well defensively and has an average of 2.2 tackles and 2.2 interceptions per game. The 21-year-old is significantly better than Herrera in aerial duels. The Spaniard has won an average of 0.2 aerials per game while Neves has won 1. This ability means that the Wolverhampton player could even help United in defending set pieces.

Neves’s main weakness is perhaps his below-par passing accuracy. He has completed just 80.9 percent of his passes on average, significantly lower than Herrera’s 88.2 percent. As a central midfielder, this is a bit worrying.

His productivity is also somewhat lacking compared to Herrera. Neves has been directly involved in 5 league goals for Wolverhampton this season. It's similar to Herrera's output but the Portuguese has played nearly double the minutes put in by the Spaniard.

Overall, Neves has what it takes to cover most of Herrera’s main attributes. However, both players have their ups and downs. The Portuguese player is significantly better in aerial duels while the Spaniard is doing better in ball distribution.

Nevertheless, Neves still has more room to improve than the United player as he is just 21 years old. If Solskjaer could make the best out of the Portugal international, he would justify his huge £100 million pricetag.