There has been a clamour for Manchester United to get a defensive midfielder. The belief is that if a top-quality midfielder arrives, the club will become a force to be reckoned with again.
The partnership of Scott MCTominay has not proved effective. Despite efforts to fix the issues, the club retains an interest in bringing another midfielder.
For a while, there have been rumours linking the Red Devils with Declan Rice, but the hefty price put on the English international has been a put-off.
Manchesterntify Declan Rice as a solution to their midfield woes
There were talks in the summer of United interest in Declan Rice. The Red Devils failed to bid for the player as they felt West Ham’s asking price was prohibitive. Manchester United are back again as they believe that Rice fits the bill for their midfield.
The Old Trafford outfit is ready to wait till the summer to bid for the player. They hope fate deals them favourable cards that would ensure West Ham sell their priced asset. If West Ham fails to secure a Champions League place, Declan Rice could have second thoughts about remaining at West Ham.
West Ham sees Rice as a vital component of the club. They would not let go of the player that easily. The Sun reports that Ralf Rangnick wants to proceed to get the player, but the Hammers are adamant about reducing the price tag on the player. They insist on receiving £100million for the English international.
Weak midfield and recent captures
It was a busy summer for Manchester United as they strove to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts. There had been calls for focus to be on the midfield that has been lacking a top-quality enforcer.
Manchester United was able to land Jadon Sancho after years of pursuit. Raphael Varane also joined the Red Devils in the summer with Cristiano Ronaldo as the icing on the cake. Despite these arrivals, there remained a gaping hole in the midfield.
Manchester United have an unbalanced side, which has led to the manager tinkering with the squad to get positive results. Paul Pogba remains inconsistent and is currently injured, while Scott McTominay and Fred are the epitomai of the fans' frustrations.
United is in a battle to land the player. The 22-year-old has had a stellar season and was a standout performer in the Premier League last season.
West Ham is fifth on the Premier League table, three points ahead of seventh-place United. The season is far from over, but United hope to nick a Champions League spot ahead of West Ham to convince Rice that his place is at Old Trafford.
West Ham, however, insists that Rice is not for sale.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
