Manchester United have been urged to make a bold transfer move under new manager Ruben Amorim by attempting to sign Arsenal and England star Declan Rice.
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Former United striker Teddy Sheringham believes Rice would be the ultimate “statement” signing to strengthen the team while simultaneously weakening a Premier League rival.
Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag last month, has faced a rocky start at Old Trafford.
The team’s form has been inconsistent, with disappointing results against Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, and Arsenal offset by a derby win over Manchester City and a Europa League comeback against Viktoria Plzen.
Sheringham, a three-time Premier League winner, believes Manchester United must prioritize a marquee signing to signal a new era under Amorim.
Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105m, tops Sheringham’s wishlist.
“I said a couple of years ago, Manchester United should have got Declan Rice,” Sheringham told Genting Casino.
“If they went out and bought Declan Rice off Arsenal, that’d make me laugh, because it’d make Arsenal weaker and United stronger.
“He’s a proper player that leads by example. When you’re making a statement about a new manager coming in and buying players, that’s the type of player you buy. Declan Rice all day.”
Rice has been pivotal for Arsenal, becoming one of their most consistent performers since his big-money move.
The 25-year-old has barely missed a game, helping the Gunners challenge for silverware last season. However, the possibility of Rice moving to Old Trafford remains highly unlikely.
Instead, United might focus on a more realistic target: Viktor Gyokeres, the prolific striker from Amorim’s former club Sporting Lisbon.
Gyokeres has been heavily linked with a move to United, but Sheringham feels other areas should take priority.
“I don’t think it’s imperative for United to move for Viktor Gyokeres when you’ve got Rasmus Hojlund,” Sheringham said.
“I think the club needs a left-back. Luke Shaw’s injuries are a constant issue, and you can’t rely on that.
“Another really good midfield player would also be great. There are other positions to strengthen that are more important than buying another forward. Hojlund is showing enough promise already.”
Sheringham also dismissed the idea of a Paul Pogba return to Old Trafford. The French World Cup winner has been linked with a shock move back to the Premier League, but Sheringham sees no value in such a deal.
“I wouldn’t look at Paul Pogba as a good option for Manchester United or any other Premier League team,” Sheringham added.
“He’s been out of the game too long, and when he was in it, his attitude wasn’t great. His body language and demeanor were shocking.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if a Premier League club snapped him up because nothing surprises me in football. But if I were a Premier League manager, I wouldn’t go near him.”
As Manchester United prepare for the next two transfer windows, Ruben Amorim faces mounting pressure to rebuild the squad and deliver consistent results.
Whether the club can pull off a major signing like Rice or focus on practical reinforcements remains to be seen.
