Sportco Scouting Report - Could Declan Rice be the answer to Man United's midfield?

This article will give an in-depth summary of Declan Rice and his metamorphosis into an elite player and his stats, performance, and for which team he could be a good fit if he joins any club in the future.  

During his youth days, Declan Rice played at two academies before making his senior debut. He first played at Chelsea's academy when he was seven, where he nursed for seven years, before joining West Ham academy at the age of 14. 

On 16 December 2015, he made his senior debut for Hammers. He slowly nurtured into a great player and by 2018, he made his 50 appearances, becoming the first player to do so while still a teenager since Michael Carrick. In 2019 he was named PFA young player of the year award.

After a year he saw rapid progress in his game and became one of the top holding midfielders of Premier League to have made the most tackles, interceptions, and passes than any other West Ham player. 

His increase in experience saw him becoming captain of West Ham in 2021, and the prominent player of the club. 

His remarkable performances for the club saw him getting the call-up from England. During England’s matches in Euro 2020, he was a key player who helped the nation reach the final. 

Declan Rice is just 22-years-old and has already hit his stride. The Englishman is the most sought midfielder in Premier League, and his value has been sky-rocketed in the past two years leading him to be rumoured with several clubs.

Declan Rice: Overall defensive stats in Premier League 

For which English club could Declan Rice be a good fit? 

Manchester United were in dire need of a defending midfielder this season, and Declan Rice was heavily rumoured to join the Red Devils, though the deal couldn’t materialize. If Rice could have put pen to paper, he would have changed Manchester United’s fortunes. 

So, if Declan Rice joins Manchester United in the future, would he be the perfect fit for them? The answer is yes, Declan rice is one of the youngest and most experienced midfielders in the Premier League. 

The Red Devils are in critical need of defending midfielder, and Declan Rice fits that template to provide his service. 

At just 22, he is the skipper of West Ham during the majority of the matches. In Euro 2020, he played all the games and showed great composure during difficult situations. Thus he will marshal Man United’s midfield and bring qualities on the pitch. 

Rice is physically strong, which allows him to outclass players in aerial duals and on the ground as well. 

Last season Declan Rice cumulated 145 interceptions and tackles higher than Fred, Scott McTominay, and Nemanja Matic combined. He can dictate the game from any position as he is full of energy. 

Rice was also the fourth player last season in Premier League to have covered the most distance. He is a great dribbler as well who can play from deep and bomb forwards with the ball. In the previous season, he had the highest progressive carries with 4320m, 1000m.

If the 22-year-old joins Manchester United, it will help Bruno and Pogba co-exist in midfield, and the trio will form a formidable midfield that will be impossible to break.  

Conclusion

At just 22, he is the most experienced player in Premier League, and any team would like him to play for them. With his midfield prowess, he has already impressed his gaffer at the club and international level. 

The arrival of David Moyes has changed the club’s fortunes, and Declan Rice has thrived under him. His game reading drastically changed, and he has poised himself as the season progressed. His stats never lie. He has been the most spectacular player in Premier League. 

If he joins the Red Devils, it will add more experience to the squad. Hence, he will help the club achieve glory which they have not tasted in eight years.