Aniket Rai
Manchester United told that Declan Rice will not move if West Ham win Europa League and make UCL group stage
Speaking on TalkSPORT (h/t Daily Star), pundit and former Aston Villa striker, Darren Bent, warned Manchester United that transfer target Declan Rice ‘won’t go anywhere’ if West Ham make the UEFA Champions League group stages next year.
The Hammers missed out on the UCL last season but made the cut for the Europa League. And they have had a flying start in UEFA’s secondary club competition with successive 2-0 wins over Dinamo Zagreb and Rapid Vienna.
Rice netted in both games and showed that his playing style isn’t limited to just duties in defensive midfield. And according to Bent, if the Hammers manage to make the Champions League group stages next year, the youngster will stay put.
“If they win the Europa League this year and they are in the Champions League next year, he won’t go anywhere. What’s his reason for going then? He’s playing in the best competition in the world then.”
No Rice for Ole?
The ex-Premier League striker believes that the 22-year-old is West Ham’s future club captain after Mark Noble and would not have any reason to leave the club if they play amongst Europe’s elite next year.
“I think people will come and get him, regardless of what happens, but that is his club – West Ham. He’s the captain – I know Mark Noble is the captain – but it’s him because he will play more. If they can somehow win the Europa League, they’re in the Champions League next season, he’s not going anywhere.”
Rice, at just 22, is a central figure in David Moyes’ West Ham United side and was a regular starter for Gareth Southgate’s side during England’s UEFA Euro 2020 campaign.
More Manchester United News:
- Real Madrid are eyeing a deal for Manchester United star Edinson Cavani in January
- PSG set to hand Manchester United blow in the race to sign AC Milan ace Franck Kessie
- Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regarding how he wants Manchester United should play
Man United have had a long-standing interest in Rice, but could have to pay around £100million if they want to sign him. Whether the club’s hierarchy is willing to spend such an amount on one player shortly after a busy summer remains to be seen.
