Pranav Nair
Darren Fletcher opens up on Manchester United interest in Declan Rice
According to Manchester Evening News (h/t Football.london), newly appointed Manchester United technical director Darren Fletcher has opened up on the club’s interest in West Ham United ace Declan Rice.
It was reported earlier this month that the player is keen on a switch to Old Trafford. Rice shares the English dressing room with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, and has talked to both of them about life at Old Trafford.
A defensive midfielder, Rice is also capable of playing at centre-back and as a holding midfielder. United scouts believe he could even develop into an impactful box-to-box player in the future. His versatility will give manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a number of options.
Comments from Fletcher made in a fan’s forum on April 16 have now made the rounds regarding Rice. He went on to add that players within the England fold have enquired about life at the club with their United based teammates.
“Darren noted that they had heard that from players going away with England [and] other national teams that people have started to ask questions about Manchester United again.”
Football director John Murtough was also in attendance. With both him and Fletcher set to play a big role in the club’s transfer activity, it is fair to say that Rice’s efforts have not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.
Not easy!
Valued at an impressive £100m, Rice will not come cheap. While West Ham are keen on Jesse Lingard, they are not keen on the 28-year-old being used as a makeweight in negotiations.
With Rice’s contract at West Ham running until 2024, the Hammers hold the advantage when it comes to negotiations. It will not be easy for United to land the English international.
The Red Devils are in need of an excellent summer where key weaknesses in the team are addressed. Bringing in Rice will not only be an improvement over Fred but also cover for the ageing Nemanja Matic.
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The 22-year-old has been one of the best players in his age group and has been critical in the Hammers’ bid for a top-four finish. Despite his age, his ability and leadership qualities make him stand out among his peers.
Bringing in Rice would be a major addition to a young United side striving to reach the club’s past glories. Whether that happens remains to be seen.
