Another transfer window is now looming large, even though Manchester United still have something to play for this season.
United take on Lyon twice in the Europa League quarter-finals over the next 10 days, with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs.
Ruben Amorim could still win the Europa League and take United into the Champions League next season, almost immediately strengthening his position in the summer transfer window.
United fans will hope for major additions whether Amorim achieves Champions League qualification or not, with supporters burned by mistakes from years past.
United have either overpaid on signings or missed out on quality additions all too regularly, with Rio Ferdinand pointing out one miss.
Rio Ferdinand on Declan Rice to Manchester United
Ferdinand has suggested four signings for United this summer, believing that they can turn the club’s fortunes around.
The former United defender backed Victor Osimhen, Adam Wharton, Matheus Cunha and Jeremie Frimpong for moves to Old Trafford.
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We would love to see those players arrive at United, though affording all four may prove a little difficult.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand also admitted that he once spoke to people inside United about a deal for Declan Rice.
Rice excelled after rising through the West Ham United ranks before completing a huge £105million move to Arsenal, as reported by Sky Sports.
Rice was long linked with United, but the England star joined Arsenal instead, much to the annoyance of Ferdinand.
Ferdinand noted that he urged people at Old Trafford to sign Rice from West Ham ‘at all costs’, but United never even made an offer to the Hammers.
“Manchester United didn’t bid,” said Ferdinand.
“I wanted Declan, and I advised a couple of people there to take Declan – ‘get him at all costs’ – and they didn’t even bid. He’s the man, I love him,” he added.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted Declan Rice
United seemingly didn’t really challenge Arsenal for Rice in 2023, but there was interest in the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era.
Speaking in 2024, Solskjaer admitted the he wanted Rice at United, confirming that he really liked the midfielder.
Solskjaer believed that Rice’s energy would have been so valuable in the United engine room.
The Norwegian even felt that Rice was available to sign, but United missed out – and should have struck the deal.
“Yeah, [there was interest] I really, really like him as a player,” said Solskjaer.
“We discussed him a few times and I think we would have done well with him in midfield. I think his legs, covering the pitch.
“I think he improved a lot on his playmaking as well. Yeah [he was available]. Obviously, he would have cost some money but we could have and should have gone for him,” he added.
United didn’t go for Rice and are still seeking real difference makers in the middle of the pitch.
Amorim will ultimately hope to find his own Rice soon enough, with United targeting Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer.
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