Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has advised Manchester United to put more efforts in signing Declan Rice from West Ham United this summer instead of Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
According to the former Premier League star, Rice would be a better solution for the Red Devils than signing Mount.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is eager to add more options in his midfield this summer with the club preparing an opening offer for Mount, whose contract at Stamford Bridge will expire next summer.
On the other hand, Mount is also said to be eager to make the move to Old Trafford with Rice, Mount’s boyhood friend, also set for a huge summer transfer following his Europa League Conference triumph with West Ham United.
United also have long-term interest in Rice but the Hammers captain reportedly favours a move to Arsenal, who are expected to launch their opening offer for his services this week.
While believing Mount offers an upgrade on current United star Christian Eriksen, Carragher suggests Rice fits the mould for what ten Hag’s midfield is crying out for.
“Mason Mount is an upgrade on Eriksen in terms of where he plays,” Carragher told Metro.
“But going back to Declan Rice, United are one of the few teams at the top who don’t play 4-3-3, it’s usually two midfielders with Bruno Fernandes.
“Declan Rice and Mason Mount, they are very different players and it shouldn’t be one or the other but when you look at what Manchester United have got right now, I actually think Declan Rice would be a better fit for them. A lot more expensive of course.
“I do think he [Mount] is a good player and I like him, I wanted Liverpool to get him. Lots of coaches have picked him and like him. There is already a good player in there but Declan Rice would suit United more than Mason Mount in terms of how they set up.”
