Manchester United must be primed to beat Manchester City in the race for Declan Rice should Nemanja Matic depart Old Trafford. The Serbian powerhouse has been linked with a move away from the club in recent times.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, AS Roma are eyeing a swoop for Matic in the summer.
With Jose Mourinho set to take the reins at the Stadio Olimpico in the summer, the reports have hailed the “special relationship” between the player and the Portuguese, with further suggestions stating that Matic would “gladly follow” Mourinho to the Italian capital.
Should that be the case, it would leave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s midfield options looking somewhat light.
Despite having not played a key role for the Red Devils this season, Matic has still made 35 appearances in all competitions.
Whilst he has been linked to Roma in recent days, Matic himself has expressed his own hopes of returning to former club Benfica at some point in his career but did reaffirm that thoughts of departing Old Trafford have not crossed his mind as of yet.
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Ahead of the 2021/22 season, as well as a UEFA Champions League campaign, that would be a risk from Solskjaer.
It makes sense then for the Red Devils to make a move for West Ham United’s Rice.
According to The Athletic, United as well as Manchester rivals City, are interested in him ahead of the summer transfer window.
Pep Guardiola apparently sees the England international as an ideal successor for veteran midfielder Fernandinho, whilst Solskjaer also has aspirations on finding a replacement for his own Brazilian midfielder Fred.
Rice would certainly prove to be an extremely viable replacement for both Fred and Matic. He has made 143 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions since his breakthrough in 2017.
In the time since, the midfielder has managed to accumulate 15 international caps for England – an impressive feat for a player at just the age of 22.
It could be suggested then that he would certainly be able to assume responsibility for the Red Devils for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, having shown impressive leadership and maturity for a player so young, it would indicate his suitability to slot into Matic’s potentially vacated role.
Man Utd must make sure then that they win the race for his signature ahead of City.