Could Man Utd save Neymar from his PSG hell?

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 13 Feb 2023 11:27 GMT
• 11 min read

One of the world’s most marketable footballers is set to come onto the transfer market in the summer.

Neymar’s time at PSG has been one riddled with problems since his €222 million move from Barcelona in 2017, but this time it appears that his relationship with the Ligue 1 leaders has terminally broken down.

The 31-year-old is reportedly “annoying everyone” in Paris, with a fallout following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against Monaco the latest blow to the player’s credibility in France.

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Neymar’s attitude towards the squad’s younger players – and in particular Hugo Ekitike and Vitinha – has been criticised, with this coming in the wake of the forward holding a controversial birthday party 48 hours before a Coupe de France match against rivals Marseille.

On top of this, his form since the World Cup has been lamentable. Seven appearances have brought just a couple of goals, one of which came against amateur opponents in the Coupe de France, while he was also sent off with his side locked 1-1 against Strasbourg. Although PSG went on to win that match, they lost their subsequent fixture with Lens, throwing the title race open.

And of course, all of these events come following the backdrop of a summer in which Kylian Mbappe was allegedly promised that the Brazilian would be sold. With Mbappe out of contract in 2024, this could be a last chance to appease the France star.

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Neymar has seen his Expected Transfer Valuation (ETV) plummet to €66 million (£59m) but there is no doubt that he remains a world-class performer when motivated.

During the first half of the Ligue 1 season, with the carrot of the World Cup dangling before him, he scored 11 goals and created nine more in 14 appearances. On top of this, there were two goals and three assists in five Champions League outings. Across these fixtures, there were only three games in which he started in which he did not have a direct goal contribution.

He needs to rediscover that motivation – and that means leaving PSG.

Neymar to Man Utd?

Of course, there are only a handful of clubs who could consider him as a serious option. Manchester United are one of those teams.

Having just shed themselves of the go of Cristiano Ronaldo, no doubt there are some who would consider Neymar to be a needless signing, but if Erik ten Hag could get his mentality correct, the former Barcelona attacker could light up the Premier League.

He gave a demonstration of his talents at Old Trafford in December 2020 as PSG blew away the Red Devils, and it is tantalising to think that he could produce such a level on a consistent basis.

His critics will, no doubt, claim that he does not work hard enough defensively to satisfy Ten Hag. He may not be the most industrious character, but his pressing is significantly higher than both Mbappe and Lionel Messi at PSG, while his counterpressing and pressing in a high zone is very effective indeed. This could make him compatible with the Dutchman’s ideas.

Neymar vs. Ligue 1 wingers 2022/23

Off the field, he would be a marketing coup for the club, regardless of who owns it in the summer, and, if he were signed for around his ETV, would appear comparatively cheap.

Of course, United already have an in-form left-sided attacker in the form of Marcus Rashford, who is unquestionably the form player in the Premier League right now, but if they were not able to find the centre forward that they wish, he could be moved into the No.9 role to accommodate Neymar.

Equally, the Brazilian could operate as part of a forward two or in a No.10 role. There are options.

It’s unlikely to be a transfer that would be welcomed by significant sections of the support given the baggage that Neymar brings, but it could still be a smart move for the club both on and off the field.