MANCHESTER UNITED chose not to pursue a big-money move for Neymar this summer over fears over the Brazilian’s party lifestyle, according to reports.
The 27-year-old was desperate to engineer a move away from Paris Saint-Germain during the transfer window, with the Red Devils among the few clubs who boast the financial power to complete a deal.
Neymar though seemed set on a return to Spain with either Real Madrid or former club Barcelona, with United pulling the plug over question marks over his dedication.
According to The Athletic, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was keen on a move for the winger because he believes the club “should have at least one Ballon d’Or contender in their squad”.
But United officials were quick to put a halt on any attempt to sign Neymar due to his flamboyant lifestyle off the pitch.
There were also doubts surrounding his father, Neymar Snr, who also acts as his son’s agent and his “money-obsessed” nature.
Neymar does not dedicate himself in the way of Messi or Ronaldo
Daniel Taylor
Daniel Taylor wrote in his report: “At Old Trafford, however, they tell a joke that offers an insight into the club’s thinking.
“‘If you have one Brazilian, you have one Brazilian,’ it goes. ‘If you have two Brazilians, you have two Brazilians. And if you have three, you have a samba party.’
“In Neymar’s case, United think it would be him pouring the caipirinhas.”
Those at United see the Samba star as a “genuine, category-A superstar” with ambitions of winning the Ballon d’Or.
However, Neymar has been accused of “not dedicating himself in the way of (Lionel) Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo”.
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The Brazil International is well-known for his love of partying and his Instagram regularly shows him mixing with celebrities such as Lewis Hamilton, Drake, and Rihanna.
But his antics landed former teammate Arthur Melo in trouble earlier this year.
The midfielder was forced to apologise after attending Neymar’s lavish birthday bash just 48 hours before an El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid.
During the past month alone, Neymar has been pictured enjoying a night out in Barcelona before joining Kylian Mbappe at French fashion model Cindy Bruna’s party in Paris.
The forward hit back at criticisms of his ways back from his time in Spain, telling reporters: “I have my faults, I’m not perfect.
“I like to go out and have fun with my friends. Why shouldn’t I go out and party? I don’t see why not.
“I really don’t see the problem. It’s my private life. On the pitch, I always give everything I have.”
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Neymar’s injury record is likely to have been a factor as well, with the PSG star suffering another setback during Brazil’s 1-1 friendly draw with Nigeria.
He had already missed four games for the French champs this term, on the back of being absent for 48 matches in the past two seasons alone.
But that’s not set to put a damper on his love of going out, with Neymar once pictured at a nightclub in Brazil on crutches.