Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has advised Joao Neves to stay put at Benfica next season amidst interest from the Old Trafford outfit ahead of the summer.
The 19-year-old midfielder is considered the next big thing in Portuguese football and has been attracting the eyes of several big clubs across Europe.
A move to the Premier League has been mooted this summer with Manchester United believed to be interested in taking him to Old Trafford.
However, Matic, who played for Manchester United previously, believes Neves should continue at Benfica for the time being as he needs a few more years to mature by playing in the Champions League.
The veteran feels the teenager is already at a big club such as Benfica and he has time in his hands when it comes to moving to one of the top leagues in the world.
Matic told Portuguese daily O Jogo: “I think it’s too early for him to take that step of leaving.
“If it were him, I would stay at Benfica for a few more years to play in the Champions League and to mature more.
“I’m sure his time will come and, therefore, he doesn’t need to rush.
“Joao is already at a big club at this point. I’m sure his future at Benfica will be very good.
“I think it’s too early to leave, but of course, in the end, it’s always his decision.”
Benfica are unlikely to want to sell the teenage midfielder for anything less than his €100m release clause.
