Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has identified Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as his ideal summer signing while highlighting three realistic targets for the club.
United’s Midfield Priorities
Manchester United plan to bolster their midfield this summer following Casemiro’s confirmed departure from Old Trafford at the end of the season. The Brazilian announced his exit in January, prompting the Red Devils to scout new options early.
Players linked with moves include Premier League talents Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba, alongside Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
Scholes’ Surprise Pick
Scholes, an 11-time Premier League winner, advocates for a high-profile central midfielder. Despite past criticisms of Rice—where he ranked other players higher and questioned the England international’s impact under Mikel Arteta—Scholes now views him as the perfect fit.
On The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes stated: “I think I would go Declan Rice. I know I’ve slagged him off a little bit but I think Manchester United need someone like Rice. I think they need a proper central midfielder.”
He dismissed notions of ‘realistic’ targets, adding: “Every manager and player should be realistic for Man United. Who isn’t a realistic target for United? I don’t believe that, I think anyone is possible for United.”
Scholes pointed to Anderson, Wharton, and Tonali as key positions to address: “The ones they’re talking about are Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali – that is a position United need to strengthen.”
Rice’s Rise and Arsenal’s Title Push
Rice has shone since his £105m transfer from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023, emerging as one of the Premier League’s top performers. The 27-year-old awaits his first major trophy after Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, which halted their chance to extend a 12-point lead.
Arsenal sit three points clear at the top but Manchester City, with a game in hand, now lead the title race.
United’s Revival
Meanwhile, Manchester United returned to form with a victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. After sacking Ruben Amorim in January when fifth, the team has surged to third under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
