According to a report by football.london, former West Ham defender Glen Johnson has advised Declan Rice to reject any potential move to Manchester United.
The Lowdown: West Ham’s most important player
Rice has been in tremendous form this season, leading David Moyes’ Hammers side to a fifth-place position in the Premier League. SofaScore rankings see the midfielder as West Ham’s most important player so far this campaign, having averaged a fantastic 7.26/10 rating.
The Irons have made it clear that they have no interest in selling their star player in the January or summer transfer window. This is irrelevant of bids made, with a number of heavy hitters sniffing around the 22-year-old.
Consistent rumours have linked Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City with the Hammers man; the most prominent of which have come from Ralf Rangnick’s side.
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The Latest: Johnson advises Rice against Man United move
In an interview relayed by football.london, former West Ham defender Johnson has stated that he thinks a move to Manchester United would be detrimental for Rice, as Rangnick’s men are merely a fraction of some of the previous United sides.
"If I was Declan I would be a bit concerned to be honest with you. I’d be thinking Manchester United aren’t the Manchester United of old," Johnson said.
"There used to be a time when, anytime Manchester United came calling, you go. It was the number one place. Everyone wanted to go. But they don’t have that appeal anymore.
"I don’t think he’d end up there whether they want him or not. But in terms of their business, I think they should just sit tight and wait until the summer and weigh the whole situation up with everybody."
"I don’t think Manchester United could get anyone better than Declan Rice. If he was available, I think Chelsea or Liverpool would be in front of them anyway.”
The Verdict: Spot on
Upon his 150th Premier League appearance for the Hammers at just 22-years-old, Rice was nationally praised as ‘admirable’ and ‘incomparable’. The Hammers have allowed the youngster to flourish as a player, and they are now reaping the rewards, as they have a ‘world class’ midfielder at their disposal.
Former teammate and current Ajax ace Sebastien Haller even asserted that the England international ‘has everything’, and that he is one of the best in the world in his position.
Observing the tension in the current Man United squad, it is easy to see why Johnson has warned Rice away from the club. If the Hammers continue to drive for Champions League qualification, there does not appear to be any reason as to why Rice should make the move to Manchester, where there are even rumours of player unrest due to their training schedules.
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