It would be odd for the Red Devils to go after Declan Rice given that they already have Casemiro, according to Dimitar Berbatov.
What did Berbatov say about Declan Rice?
Although there have been rumors of Manchester United being interested in signing the English midfielder, Declan Rice, no official approach has been made. West Ham may receive bids for the 24-year-old in the upcoming transfer window, but Dimitar Berbatov believes it’s unlikely that United would join the race for his signature, especially considering they spent heavily on recruiting Casemiro, a Brazilian international, to fill their holding role during the last summer window, especially with the asking price for Rice expected to be £100 million-plus ($121m).
In reference to the ongoing speculation at Old Trafford, former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov informed Betfred that the decision on whether to pursue Declan Rice or not ultimately rests on the manager’s vision for the team. While Declan and Casemiro play the same position, Berbatov emphasized the 6-year age difference between the two players, stating that one is reaching the end of their career while the other is producing high-quality football and not yet in their prime.
Berbatov acknowledges that other clubs will undoubtedly be interested in signing Declan Rice, and that his priority will be playing time. Should he join Manchester United, he would demand to play and would not be content with sitting on the bench. Berbatov believes it would be strange for United to acquire Rice, especially after signing Casemiro. If they did sign Rice, they would have to play him and Casemiro together, which would require sacrificing another midfielder who plays a more advanced role up the pitch.
Early career at West Ham
Declan Rice has been a standout player for both West Ham and the England national team in recent years. The midfielder has consistently impressed with his performances and his leadership abilities on and off the pitch. Rice joined the West Ham academy at the age of seven and quickly established himself as a key player in the youth team. He made his first-team debut in 2017, and by the end of the 2017-18 season, he had become a regular in the starting lineup.
In the 2018-19 season, Rice’s performances helped West Ham finish in 10th place, and he was named the club’s Young Player of the Year. His displays earned him his first call-up to the England national team.
England breakthrough
Rice’s debut for England came in March 2019, in a Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic. He went on to become a regular in the England squad and was an important part of the team that reached the final of Euro 2020. During the tournament, Rice was praised for his performances in midfield, where he showcased his ability to break up opposition attacks and start attacking moves for his team.
Leadership on and off the pitch
Rice has shown impressive leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. At West Ham, he was appointed captain for a Premier League match against Arsenal in 2020, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to lead the team out in a top-flight game. He has also been vocal in his support of social justice causes, speaking out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and donating money to a charity supporting the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Consistency and versatility
One of Rice’s most impressive qualities is his consistency. He rarely has a bad game and is always willing to put in the hard work for his team. He is also versatile, able to play as a holding midfielder or as a centre-back, depending on the needs of his team. During the 2020-21 season, Rice played a crucial role in West Ham’s push for a top-four finish, helping the team secure a Europa League spot for the first time in five years.
Declan Rice has been a consistent performer for both West Ham and the England national team in recent years. His leadership qualities and versatility make him a valuable asset for any team, and he has shown a willingness to work hard and put in the effort for his team both on and off the pitch.