Nicky Butt believes Man United don’t need to sign Declan Rice this summer.
Manchester United Football Club are still a few major signings away from challenging for the title on a perennial basis. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to identify the right players, then pass that information on to Ed Woodward, who is tasked with getting the moves done.
Although a centre-back is a top priority, there is a growing need amongst some supporters to see United sign a new defensive midfielder. After all, Nemanja Matic is ageing while Scott McTominay cannot do it all on his own.
Declan Rice is a name that is often linked with a Reds switch. The West Ham man is getting better year-on-year and right now, he’s taking part in the European Championships with his beloved England.
However, United have been told they don’t need to sign the 22-year-old this summer, by ex-player, Nicky Butt. The Reds legend has claimed his former employers are ‘solid enough in midfield’. While he’s ‘not sure’ Rice is a better player than McTominay.
Check out what Butt had to say here:
“It’s about getting the right players who will allow you to challenge for trophies. It’s a winning club, so we can’t go this long without silverware.” Butt said to Ladbrokes, transcribed by the Manchester Evening News.
“I think Man United are solid enough in midfield. I keep hearing things about Declan Rice, but is he a better player than Scott McTominay?
“I’m not sure; I think with McTominay, Paul Pogba and obviously Bruno Fernandes, we’re in a good place in the middle of the park.”
I like Rice, I actually do think he’d be an upgrade on McTominay. That said, it wouldn’t be a massive jump up in quality. Both are similar players and Rice would absolutely cost a pretty penny, probably somewhere around the £100million mark. Is he really worth that much? Probably not.
Even while watching England this summer, Kalvin Phillips looks like the better defensive-midfielder in the side, outshining Rice in both of the Three Lions’ games so far. Still, United should set their sights higher.
For me, the dream signing would be Manuel Locatelli. He’s having a great European Championships with Italy, though I’d be willing to bet he’d cost significantly less than the aforementioned English pair…
As of right now, though, I’m with Butty. I wouldn’t be breaking the bank to sign Rice this summer.
Would Declan Rice be an upgrade on Man United’s current midfielders? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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