Man United are looking to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer and Declan Rice has been the top target for the position. However, signing the young English midfielder looks unlikely this summer due to financial constraints. As such, United need to consider cheaper alternatives for Declan Rice or look into developing one of their existing players for the role.
Ole has already revealed his plans to use a 4-3-3 formation in the coming season, in place of the old 4-2-3-1 system. This would mean a single pivot player in midfield, with two attacking-minded midfielders upfront. Though Rice would be perfect for this role, West Ham manager David Moyes is keen on holding onto the player and it has been suggested that only a £100 million bid could make the deal happen.
United have already signed Jadon Sancho and are finalizing a £68 million double swoop for Varane and Trippier. As things stand, Ole might not have the budget to orchestrate a move for Rice. However, signing a defensive midfielder is a priority this summer, especially if United wish to challenge for the Premier League title. Keeping that in mind, here are 3 alternatives to Declan Rice that Manchester United are considering:
Eduardo Camavinga
Eduardo Camavinga is currently one of the brightest prospects in Europe. The 18-year-old French midfielder has already been a regular starter for Stade Rennais in the past two seasons, with 82 first-team appearances to his name. The player, initially priced at €100 million, could go for a bargain price of €30 million, as reports suggest.
Eduardo Camavinga for €30m could be one of the bargains of the century
This is his debut against PSG at only 16!
— Aidan Walsh 🔰 (@AidanWalshMUFC) July 5, 2021
Camavinga has the potential to play in all areas of midfield. He has shown great tackling skills and the extensive ability to pass the ball to different areas of the pitch. Camavinga is more defensive-minded despite his comparisons with Pogba. His arrival at Man Utd would bring a solid presence in the pivot role behind Pogba and Fernandes and would allow greater freedom for the two attacking players.
Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves is another player who can be considered as one of the alternatives to Declan Rice. Neves has been excellent for Wolves, playing a key role in their success in the previous seasons. He is a key tackler and has shown great ability to pass the ball or switch plays and start attacks besides defending.
He had the highest number of accurate long balls (153) in the Premier League last season. Besides this, Neves also had an 86% pass completion rate and a 62% tackle win rate last season in the 31 games he played.
🚨⚔️ Head-to-head between #Arsenal and #ManchesterUnited for Ruben #Neves. The 🇵🇹 midfielder could leave #Wolverhampton, but without discounts: the request remains for €40M. 🐓⚽ #Calciomercato #Transfers #EPL #ManUTD
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 4, 2021
Arsenal are also interested in signing the player, but United are ready to go head-to-head for the Portuguese midfielder. The Red Devils could acquire the 24-year-old midfielder for around €40 million. Neves is still a young player, and despite his success, he is still yet to reach his prime.
Scott McTominay
With so many transfer targets and expenses this season, United could instead work on improving one of their existing players. Scott McTominay has undergone a great phase of development in the past few seasons at Old Trafford. He is a versatile player, having played as a striker in the youth team, a central midfielder for United’s first team, and a centre-back for his national side.
Scott McTominay vs England:
100% tackles won
82% pass accuracy
53 total touches
4 ball recoveries
2 interceptionsDecent performance from him⚽️🏴#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/i5gY1u7aef
— Man Utd Corner (@ManUtdCorner7) June 18, 2021
The 24-year-old Scotsman has shown great athleticism and intelligence on the ball. McTominay has a good physical presence as well. His performances in the Euro 2020 championship for Scotland were a testament to that. He also has good dribbling ability and already has team chemistry, making him ideal for the defensive midfielder role.
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Despite his abilities, he still has a lot to learn, but with United legend Michael Carrick being part of the coaching staff, it’s safe to say the player is in good hands. McTominay is a great learner and he has shown a willingness to improve and adapt his game.
Who do you think is a better alternative for Declan Rice, or are there any other alternatives worth considering? Answer in the comments and follow Arsedevils for more Manchester United transfer updates.
