Paul Ince believes Manchester United should have signed Declan Rice in the summer, stating that the midfielder would have been a perfect addition.
Manchester United might have strengthened their defence and attack in equal measures during the summer window with the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. However, fans and pundits have been asking the club to sign a bonafide defensive midfielder in the window.
Manchester United have had issues with regular holding midfielders despite boasting the likes of Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic in their ranks. The club has lacked a sure starter who might improve their quality in the central areas.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was open to signing a midfielder but somewhat came short with the club’s targets. For instance, they were linked with teenage talent Eduardo Camavinga, who ended up joining Real Madrid, while similar scenarios ensued with other players on their radar.
One player they have been interested in has been Declan Rice. The West Ham United midfielder was expected to move away from the London Stadium to either Chelsea or Manchester United but decided to stay put. He could be available next summer, but at a very high price tag after his recent rise.
After an impressive season with the Hammers, helping them qualify for the Europa League, Rice became a mainstay in Gareth Southgate’s midfield at UEFA Euro 2020. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince believes the club should have signed the England international during the summer.
The Metro put up some of the quotes from Ince as he spoke to The United Stand about Rice and the potential he could have bought with himself to Old Trafford.
Ince said, “David Moyes didn’t get long enough at all [at Manchester United] and what he’s showing is what a very good manager that he is. He’s got West Ham up and playing. They play a different style, and you know what you’re going to get with West Ham. They defend deep, they get back in their shape, and they play from there.”
“With Antonio not playing, it might dilute them a bit as far as that’s concerned. But midfield, Declan Rice, I thought was outstanding in the Euros. He looks like he’s stepped up a gear, gone up another gear this year. He’s been brilliant in midfield.”
“There were rumours we were going to try and sign him at Manchester United, and he’d have been perfect. I’ve always stated that, and Sir Alex Ferguson has always said that if you win the midfield battle, nine times out of ten, you’re going to win the game because you control it and get more of the ball.”
“It’s going to be an aggressive game in there; it’s not going to be a passing game. [Tomas] Soucek is 6 ft 4 in, and he likes to put a foot in, so does Declan Rice. They’ve got plenty of legs, and we’re going to have to match them.”
Judging by their performances so far it is evident that Manchester United must sign a defensive midfielder at the earliest. Whether they turn their attention towards Rice to tha end remains to be seen, although it goes without saying that the West Ham midfielder can add a lot of value to Solskjaer’s unit.