RIO FERDINAND believes West Ham main man Declan Rice can be the “catalyst” and “lead the charge” for Manchester United’s revival.
The 23-year-old England international is being linked with a move away from the London Stadium this summer, but the Hammers have slapped an eye-watering £150million price tag on him.
Man Utd are one of many interested parties in Rice.
Former club Chelsea are also keen on a reunion with the former Cobham academy ace.
But for Man Utd in particular, Rice could be the “catalyst” for the club’s return to the glory days, says legend Ferdinand.
Ferdinand told the FIVE podcast: “It all depends on what Declan Rice wants to do with his career.
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“If wants to do a Mark Noble and stay at one club in the Premier League – Declan Rice will be the captain for the next ten years if he wants. It’s there if he wants to do that
“But I don’t think Declan Rice is Mark Noble.
“Declan Rice is someone who sees himself going to a bigger club, with all due respect to West Ham, and going to fight for honours in the Premier League.
“You’ve got to ask Declan Rice a question; does he leave West Ham who are basically fighting Man Utd for the same position?
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“If he does go to somewhere like United, (he could) be the catalyst for the next generation, for winning stuff, and you could lead that charge.
“But if you want to win trophies right at this moment, there is a big question over that.”
Incoming boss Erik ten Hag is undergoing a huge internal review.
The Dutchman has already started work early despite only officially leaving Ajax last week.
He has begun his Red Devils rebuild at their training ground, with ambitions to lead the club back to the Premier League’s elite crew.
SunSport understands the different support departments at the Carrington training complex have been told of his plans.
Ten Hag wants to spend time with each of them to see how they work and meet the staff on a personal level.
This includes everyone from the technical analysis team to the nutritionists and conditioners.
Ten Hag will also play a key role in signing off on transfers, which could include Rice.
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He is also interested to bring pacey defender Jurrien Timber with him to Man Utd.
United and Ajax have agreed to a £30m deal for the Netherlands international, according to reports.
