Brazil legend Rivaldo believes Neymar ‘needs a new challenge’ and has told the Paris Saint-Germain forward that joining Manchester United would be an ‘excellent step in his career’. Neymar is being heavily linked with a move away from French champions PSG ahead of this summer’s transfer window, with the 31-year-old having scored 118 goals in 178 appearances for the club and helping them win five Ligue 1 titles.
Rivaldo was against Neymar leaving Barcelona in 2017 but is now in favour of a summer move for his compatriot and has endorsed a move to Old Trafford to play under Erik ten Hag. ‘I am in favour of Neymar transferring to Manchester United,’ Rivaldo told Betfair. ‘In recent days there has been talk that Neymar might sign for the Premier League giants at the end of the season and, unlike when he left Barcelona for PSG, this time I am in favour of this move.
‘In 2017, I didn’t think it was beneficial for Neymar to leave for France, although I understood his reasons. But now I am convinced that playing in the Premier League with Manchester United would be an excellent step in his career. Playing in the best league in the world in the shirt of a legendary club is something that suits very well a great player like Neymar who needs a new challenge. Moreover, United are going through a recovery phase under coach Erik ten Hag. The team will secure Champions League qualification, have already won the League Cup and can still win the FA Cup, so I see Neymar arriving at a more structured club now and one that is ready to welcome a football superstar who will surely give a lot to them.