Man United told 20-year-old ‘ideal’ Nemanja Matic replacement
Lee Sharpe wants to see Man United sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice in the summer
Declan Rice would be the perfect replacement for Nemanja Matic in the Manchester United team, according to Red Devils legend Lee Sharpe.
The England international has been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United over the past couple of months as Rice continues to impress at West Ham.
Rice may be just 20 but the versatile midfielder has established himself as a key member of Manuel Pellegrini’s team in the Premier League season.
The London-born star has scored two goals in 33 games in the Premier League this season, finding the net against Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Matic has struggled badly throughout the Premier League as the Serbia international enters the twilight of his top-flight career.
The Serbian midfielder was left out of the Manchester United team for their 2-0 loss to defending champions Manchester City after Matic had struggled badly in a 4-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park last weekend.
Former Manchester United winger Sharpe believes West Ham starlet Rice would be the ideal replacement for Matic in Solskjaer’s team.
“Declan Rice would be ideal for Manchester United because they’re in desperate need of a shield in front of the defence and Matic is on his last legs,” Sharpe told sportingbet.
“Rice has had a good season at West Ham and he is composed on the ball.
“It’s in Manchester United’s DNA to have a strong English contingent and it would be great to see that continue.”
Rice made three appearances for the Republic of Ireland before the West Ham star controversially switched his allegiance to England in 2019.
The West Ham star has netted two goals in 69 games in all competitions since breaking into the Hammers team in the 2016-17 season.
