Manchester United are still interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, as per reports. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder, who has come through the ranks at the Hammers, has become one of their most important players in the last couple of seasons.
ESPN have reported that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward know the fans’ desire for United to sign a top-class midfielder. As per the report, a midfielder and striker are priorities in the 2022 summer transfer window.
Rice, who has been on United’s radar for a while, is a target, but the report also states that United could make a move only if the Hammers reduce their £80 million transfer fee for Rice.
Chelsea is also reportedly interested in signing the England international. Rice’s contract with West Ham expires only in 2024.
Declan Rice to Manchester United – The missing piece of the jigsaw?
Manchester United has done superbly well in the transfer market in the last few windows, and blew everyone out of the water this transfer window. They signed three world-class players, who will go into the starting XI and improve it significantly.
The Red Devils have a strong and deep squad presently, but are still weak in midfield, especially the defensive midfield role. Fred and Scott McTominay don’t pass the muster as far as top defensive midfielders go in the Premier League, and they have been exposed time and again. The signing of a defensive midfielder of the quality of Declan Rice could make United a dominant team in the league.
While Rice may not have the exceptional passing ability of Carrick, his terseness and ability to keep things simple is exactly what they need with more quality players in the attacking third. McTominay and Fred have been inconsistent, so Rice would be the better option
The signing of Rice will also ensure that they need not worry about signing another defensive midfielder for another decade as the Englishman is just 22 years of age.
The West Ham midfielder can drop into the backline when needed and use his bellicose nature to break play, allowing Manchester United’s talented attackers to play further up the pitch and have the freedom to cause a lot of havoc.
Rice has vast experience of playing in the Premier League and seems to be ready to make the step up to a top club like Manchester United.