Rice to Man Utd: two factors that could determine a transfer

FT Desk

• 12 Nov 2022 18:47 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have long been linked with move for West Ham's England midfielder Declan Rice, and now two key factors have emerged to make any transfer possible.

Rice is widely regarded as one of the best players playing outside of England's "top six", his ability to break up play before distributing the envy of many big clubs.

Rice will go to the upcoming World Cup with England as a sure starter for Gareth Southgate's side, and interest in him will climb if he impresses in Qatar.

READ: Rice drops Man Utd transfer hint: What the West Ham midfielder said

Football Transfers collaborator Jacque Talbot discussed the prospect of Rice joining United on his YouTube channel.

Space and finance

The first thing that needs to happen is that the Red Devils need to lighten their load in midfield.

"They're going to get one, possibly two [midfielders]," he said. "But I think they're going to struggle with two. But it's dependent on the sales of Scott McTominay and Fred."

That particular issue is a positional one as much as it is financial. Whilst Rice is rated at €68 million by Football Transfers' in-house algorithm and David Moyes has previously said the Hammers want north of €100m, there is no point funding a deal without space in the squad for him.

READ: Man Utd's transfer plans: Next steps of Ten Hag's overhaul revealed

Casemiro has emerged as Erik ten Hag's first-choice defensive midfielder since his €80m arrival from Real Madrid, with Christian Eriksen, rather playing out of position, alongside. Rice would make "McFred" positively surplus to requirements.

The second is the outright raising of transfer capital, with Rice still under contract at London Stadium until the summer of 2024 and the club having the option for another year beyond that.

As previously reported by Football Transfers, one of the biggest financial hauls United can hope to get is through the sale of Harry Maguire - something the club are willing to seek.

Rice's England international teammate was bought for £80m (€91.3m) in 2019 and is still valued at €34.m by our in-house algorithm.