Former Manchester United midfielder Luke Chadwick believes Declan Rice would be a superb signing from West Ham.

The 22-year-old is growing into a fine player, and he seems to be a mainstay in the current England side that reached the Euro 2020 final during the summer before taking their World Cup qualification bid by storm.

Chadwick is a big fan of Rice’s qualities, both in terms of his ability and his mentality, saying he’d make United better defensively.

It seems inevitable that Rice will get his big move at some point in the future — maybe even this summer — but he must continue to work hard and perform at the highest level when given the chance.

This season we will see how Rice and the Hammers get on in the Europa League, but it will be an interesting task for him individually as well as the team itself.

“Without a doubt, he’d be a huge signing for Manchester United,” Chadwick told CaughtOffside. “He’s a huge player for England now, and seems like a huge personality and a leader, a great person to have around the training ground.

“I’d be interested to see what his plans are. If he’s looking to move away from West Ham, where he’s a hugely popular cult figure, what’s right for him moving forward?

“Both him and Kalvin Phillips have shown for England that they’re two players who’d certainly improve United and do a good job for the team. It will be interesting to see what happens come the end of the season.

“I think United will definitely strengthen in that area of the pitch and I think the fact that Rice is a talented young English player he’d excite the crowd at Old Trafford. He’d definitely do that job that fans have been crying out for in terms of what we need from a holding midfield player.”

Fans had been calling for a defensive midfielder in the summer transfer window, but I always felt United were playing a waiting game, with Rice being priced out of a move at West Ham.

There are serious doubts hanging over Fred as a starter in the team and the midfield is definitely our weak point right now.

Maybe next year, eh?

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