Why Manchester United should avoid signing Declan Rice

According to Goal (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United are interested in making a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice next summer and could even make a move for him in January if they are able to splash £80million.

Declan Rice, 20, has gained a lot of admirers following his impressive performances in the middle of the park over the last few seasons. He has made 80 appearances for the Hammers so far, scoring twice and providing an assist.

The England international is one of West Ham’s most important players and the club will certainly try their best to keep hold of him. But Manchester United view Rice as a potential solution to their midfield woes and are willing to break the bank to tempt the east Londoners into selling one of their prized assets, claims Goal (h/t Daily Mail).

That being said, should Man United splash £80million to sign Rice from West Ham?

The Red Devils have endured their worst start in the Premier League campaign after 33 years and lost their fourth league game of the 2019/20 to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have struggled in the midfield, with a lack of quality hurting the team. They sold Marouane Fellaini to China in January before allowing Ander Herrera to run down his contract and leave on a free transfer in the summer.

Failure to replace Fellaini and Herrera has left United with Nemanja Matic, Fred, Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba as the only senior options in central midfield.

While Matic and Fred have struggled to impress at Old Trafford, Pogba’s future continues to be uncertain with the Frenchman continually linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Clearly, Solskjaer needs to bring in midfield reinforcements during the winter window. However, United must not sign Declan Rice.

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Rice has established himself as one of the promising young midfielders in the Premier League. He is a talented player but he is not worth that amount.

The midfielder has a long way to go before commanding such a hefty price. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder needs to be consistent for the next few seasons, develop and add more facets to his game. Until then, United must stay away from Rice.

Verdict

With Pogba’s future in doubt, Matic ageing and Fred yet to be consistent, Solskjaer’s midfield needs massive reinforcing. The Red Devils must look to sign at least two quality midfielders in January but stay away from Rice.