According to the reports from Lancs Live, Manchester United are prioritising a move for West Ham United’s defensive midfielder Declan Rice. The former Ireland international who switched his allegiance to the Three Lions has been linked with the Red Devils for quite some time, and the Hammers are reportedly valuing him at around £80m.
It is believed that United are in the market for a defensive midfielder after they lost Ander Herrera in the summer. The likes of Fred and Nemanja Matic have continued to struggle in midfield, and it is understandable why the Mancunians are after a defensive-minded midfielder.
Scott McTominay is predominantly playing in a defensive midfield role so far, and the Scotsman has done relatively well. There is no doubt that he will remain in the club’s plans for the future, given that he is still 22 and improving.
Rice meanwhile has emerged as a crucial player for the Hammers in the past one year. The 20-year-old has come up from West Ham’s academy, and he was initially being seen as a centre back. However, Pellegrini didn’t have too many options in midfield, and he decided to use Rice in a deeper role in midfield. The youngster took to the new role like fish to water, and ever since then, he has been a regular starter in that position.
What can Rice bring to the table?
His reading of the game and ability to be at the right place to intercept passes make him a standout asset. He is equally comfortable while he is on the ball as the midfielder has excellent spatial awareness and he never gets hurried even under pressure from the opposition.
The England international can play out from the back, and his passing range allows him to form a base of attack for the Hammers. To top it all of, he is just 20, and there is no doubt that he would improve with age. No wonder Southgate was keen to poach him for the England national team.
Should Solskjær go for him?
The Hammers obviously rate him highly, and that is why they want around £80m for him. Rice will be a decent addition to the United squad, but we think that £80m for him could be a bit too much as United have other essential areas to improve.
The club needs more attacking firepower after the departure of Sanchez and Lukaku and spending another £80m on a defensive midfielder might not be a priority at the moment for the club. It remains to be seen now how concrete United’s interest are for Rice as he is currently on a long term contract at the London club.
