25 May 2023 , 16:13
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Manchester United have been told to steer clear of a deal to sign Neymar, with their experience of Cristiano Ronaldo's return still fresh in the memory,
Neymar has been linked to United in recent times, with the 31-year-old reportedly unhappy at PSG amid criticism from the club's fans and his future is not believed to lie in the French capital. Talks are reported to be ongoing for Neymar to join United, with Erik ten Hag strengthening his squad ahead of an expected return to the Champions League.
United have not denied the reports and, speaking on Thursday, Ten Hag gave a cryptic response to claims of Neymar's arrival, saying: "When we have news we will tell you."
However, with the early part of United's season dominated by the unrest caused by Cristiano Ronaldo's unhappiness at the club, United have been warned against bringing another global superstar to Old Trafford. Speaking on TalkSPORT, former England international Gabby Agbonlahor told United to avoid bringing Neymar to the club this summer.
Agbonlahor told TalkSPORT: "These managers now, especially managers like Ten Hag, he went to Manchester United and he had a problem - Cristiano Ronaldo. Everyone knows how good Ronaldo is but his ego was embarrassing at times.
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"When he got brought off he was sulking, throwing his arms up. Why would you go and bring in another big ego into a changing room that you've finally sorted out?
"[Anthony] Martial could be leaving because he's got problems as well with his ego and coming off and not acknowledging the manager in the last game. I just think why would you bring that problem into your team?"
Cristiano Ronaldo clashed with Erik ten Hag ((Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))Ronaldo's time at United saw a dilemma for his managers to face, with the need to keep their most influential asset happy despite having young, exciting talents who could have their development hindered by his presence. Neymar, however, remains a top talent, with 13 goals and 11 assists in just 20 Ligue 1 matches representing an impressive return.
Neymar operates primarily on the left-wing, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford both having shown an upturn in their form in that role following the departure of Ronaldo following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan in November.
Agbonlahor continued: "You've got Sancho you want to get back firing, you've got Rashford, you've got Antony who can hopefully have a better season next season. I just don't see it.
"And financially, he's on silly money at PSG. They're going to want a decent fee and his wages would be something silly as well, like £500,000 or £600,000 a week or whatever they're earning there.
"I just don't see it happening. I just don't think any club in the Premier League would bring that ego to their club."