Manchester United’s inability to secure Declan Rice, despite significant interest from former managers Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik ten Hag, continues to be a source of regret for the club. Both managers viewed Rice as a player who could revolutionize United’s midfield, but indecision within the club allowed Arsenal to swoop in and sign him for a record £100 million fee.
Earlier this year, Solskjær publicly expressed his disappointment about missing out on Rice. During an appearance on The Overlap, he described the midfielder as a dynamic talent with exceptional energy and creativity. He admitted that although Rice’s signing would have been a costly endeavor, it was a move United should have prioritized.
Similarly, Ten Hag echoed this sentiment, stating in May that Rice was the ideal candidate to strengthen United’s midfield. However, a lack of urgency and cohesion during the summer transfer window enabled Arsenal to complete the deal with little resistance.
According to insights from the Talk of the Devils podcast, Rice had been a long-term target for Manchester United, but internal disagreements hampered any real progress. Hosts Andy Mitten and Laurie Whitwell revealed that while Solskjær, Ten Hag, and other senior figures at the club were keen to bring Rice to Old Trafford, certain scouts raised doubts about his suitability for the team. This internal lack of consensus proved disastrous, as Arsenal acted decisively to secure the England international.
The decision to let Rice slip through their fingers has drawn criticism from various corners, including former United defender Rio Ferdinand. Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand highlighted Rice’s leadership qualities, work ethic, and ability to unify a dressing room as attributes United desperately needed. He argued that Rice’s presence could have significantly raised the club’s standards both on and off the field, branding the failure to sign him as a major mistake.
Rice’s performances since joining Arsenal have only magnified United’s misstep. He has quickly established himself as a commanding figure in Arsenal’s midfield, with standout performances, including one against Manchester United, demonstrating his value. His ability to dictate play, recover possession, and inspire his teammates has been pivotal to Arsenal’s success this season.
For Manchester United, the decision not to aggressively pursue Rice reflects broader issues with their transfer strategy and internal decision-making processes. Fans are left wondering how different their season might have been if Rice had been anchoring their midfield, adding another chapter to the club’s recent struggles in the transfer market.
