Manchester United: 5 Players the Red Devils must sign this summer

#3 Declan Rice

Chelsea FC v West Ham United - Premier League

Have a look over the options Manchester United has in centre midfield and you will know why we think that Declan Rice should be at Old Trafford next season. Nemanja Matic's game is fading. He is one of the slowest midfielders in the Premier League currently. United need more energy in that position.

Declan Rice has had a breakthrough season with Hammers. He played in the defensive midfield role for the whole season and even impressed Gareth Southgate to earn a national call-up.

Rice featured in 34 Premier League games for West Ham this season, making 2.9 tackles per game and having a passing success percentage of 86%. In addition, he also contributed by netting two goals.

Manuel Pellegrini admitted that it will be very tough for West Ham to desist Rice from leaving if any suitable offers come to the table.

How can he improve Manchester United?

Slowly and steadily, Declan Rice is getting better with his ball playing skills. Ole Gunner Solskjaer will prefer to have this young player in his team.

The England international can stay back and offer protection to the centre-defenders, which was duly missed last season. At the same time, he can give freedom to attacking players like Pogba and others to venture forward.

Rice hardly goes forward and leaves a big void in the middle. Hence, additional security in front of the defence could help United to decrease the number of goals they conceded this season.