Neymar ‘a prima donna’ and ‘a problem’ as Manchester United warn against signing Brazilian star

Former Manchester United manager Rene Meulensteen has labeled Neymar a ‘prima donna’ amid links with a move to Old Trafford.

Neymar is set to be kicked out of Paris Saint-Germain this summer as the French champions seek to revive their struggling football project.

According to reports in France, the Ligue 1 outfit want to offload the star £600,000 a week in order to rebuild their lopsided squad around Kylian Mbappe.

Neymar joined PSG in a £200m global deal from Barcelona in 2017 but injury hampered his time in the French capital, with the 31-year-old playing just 52 per cent of games of the club since his arrival.

PSG sporting adviser Luis Campos has been tasked with finding an exit strategy for Neymar, with Manchester United apparently interested, according to French daily L’Equipe.

But Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No2 Meulensteen admits he has concerns over the Brazilian star’s possible prosecution while calling him a ‘prima donna’.

“It’s probably rumors and speculation, everyone is keeping quiet about it,” Meulensteen told talkSPORT Breakfast.

“I have reservations about that because obviously he’s a high caliber player, but he’s also a prima donna.

“He’s never played in the Premier League. Playing in Spain and France is completely different. Also, his best position is playing on the left wing and you’re going to go with that. [Marcus] Racford.”

Asked about a move for the PSG star earlier this week, United boss Erik ten Hag remained schtum, telling reporters: “When I hear from me I’ll let you know.”

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Ten Hag’s short and quick response left those watching with more questions than answers about whether there was a possibility of a move this summer.

Despite his opposition, Meulensteen acknowledges the commercial benefits Neymar would bring to the club and why the owners might be in favor of a move.

“You don’t know what you’re going to get on the pitch [from Neymar],” he added. “You know you’ll get a commercial return that the owner will obviously like.

“But you have to lean into it and that’s why I think Erik keeps his cards close to his chest on this one.”

But talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor thinks it’s a terrible idea, saying no Premier League club would want to sign the Brazilian star because he’s causing more trouble than he’s worth.

The former Aston Villa captain said: “When Ten Hag went to Man United he had a problem – Cristiano Ronaldo.

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“Everyone knows how good Ronaldo is, but his ego was embarrassing at times.

“Why would you bring another big ego into a dressing room after you finally fix it?” Why would you bring this issue to your team? I do not see it.

“It also doesn’t make sense financially. He’s on some silly money at PSG and they’re going to want a decent fee and his salary is going to be something silly.

“I don’t see that happening. I don’t think any Premier League club want to bring that level of ego to their team.