Wolverhampton Wanderers' Portuguese midfielder Pedro Neto celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on December 15, 2020. - (R) (Photo by Michael Steele / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MICHAEL STEELE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United plan to scout Pedro Neto of Wolves. The youngster has impressed this season and that has caught the attention of those at Old Trafford. United also remain interested in two of his teammates, Adama Traore and Daniel Podence.
The 20-year-old Portuguese winger started his youth career at SC Vianense in 2008. He then went on to play for the likes of Perspectiva em Jogo and then finally settled in at Braga’s youth side. While he was still in the U-17s at Braga, he was loaned out to Palmeiras’ U-17 side.
He spent a year with the Brazilian side before returning the next season. He continued playing for the U-17s and was promoted to the senior side in 2017. But he managed to feature only thrice for the senior side before moving to Lazio.
It was a two-year loan deal and he made just 5 appearances for the senior side and 10 for the youth side during his time there. Lazio made his deal permanent in 2019 before selling him to Wolverhampton.
It was at Wolves that Neto finally got a sustained run of games. It took time but as the season progressed, he started featuring more under Nuno Espirito Santo. So far, he has made 60 appearances for them, scoring 9 goals and assisting 7 (source – Transfermarkt).
Neto is a regular for the Portugal youth sides with 33 appearances and 8 goals across all levels. He is yet to be called up to the senior team.
Manchester United are enjoying a good spell in the Premier League this season after a disastrous start. They are near the top positions and an unlikely title challenge is being touted. A lot of that has to go down to some of their star men such as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. The club have relied on these two to pull them out of defeats on several occasions.
It is, however, clear that they need another forward who can shoulder some of the responsibility. Enter Pedro Neto. Neto has come a long way at Wolves.
This season, he has featured in all of Wolves’ league games and has even kept Adama Traore out of the line-up at times, which is pretty hard to imagine. But such has been the winger’s impact. He is a big-game player and his goals against Chelsea and Arsenal are a testament to that.
A left-winger by trade, Neto can also feature on the right. He can also play through the middle if needed. His ability to play on the right would perhaps be the most appealing factor for the Red Devils.
He also fits the type of player United have signed in recent seasons. A tricky winger with the ability to chip in with goals, he could be a very exciting signing for Manchester United if they decide to pursue him.