Manchester United have been told they “need four signings in every area” to compete in the Premier League title race – and Declan Rice isn’t enough.
The Red Devils will once again undergo a rebuild this summer in an attempt to bring back the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. With their hunt for a manager drawing to a close in the next few weeks, attention can turn to the arrivals of new players.
A midfielder will be on the agenda with Paul Pogba set to depart at the end of his contract in June.
And Rice has been heavily linked with that vacancy. The West Ham and England star would be the ideal replacement.
However, Ally McCoist has warned that while he would “make United better”, their business needs to be far more extensive.
When asked if Rice alone could make United contenders, he told talkSPORT: “No chance, no chance. No chance. He’s good but he’s not a one-man team.
“Manchester United need four players. One in every area of the park at least.
“Certainly one in defence, one in the middle of the park and one at centre-forward, I think. At the very, very least.
“You know what I think of Declan Rice. He would make them better, but I don’t think he will make them title [contenders].
“Everybody was asking the same question about Ronaldo, who is one of the greatest players in the world. ‘Is this going to make United title contenders?’.
“Well we’ve seen the answer to that haven’t we.
“And he’s done alright by the way, don’t worry about that, he’s done alright with the goals he’s chipped in.
“But if you’re asking me if Declan Rice is going to make Manchester United, with one transfer, make Manchester United title contenders, absolutely no way.”
United hit with Rice setbacks
Since McCoist’s comments were made serious questions have been thrown over United’s pursuit of Rice too.
It first emerged that West Ham had slapped a mega £150million price tag on their prized asset.
That fee may still be manageable for the Old Trafford hierarchy, but it would not be financially sensible.
And then it was claimed his transfer preference lied elsewhere…
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