Former West Ham and Arsenal left-back Nigel Winterburn believes Manchester United would be the right destination if Declan Rice leaves the Hammers next summer.

Winterburn claims the Red Devils do lack defensive-minded players in the middle of the park, and he thinks that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side could benefit most from Rice’s arrival:

“I’m not sure about Manchester City signing him, but whether Manchester United or Chelsea want to move for him. It all depends on his availability and if it’s the right time for the club. I can see him suiting United. They’ve got an abundance of attacking talent but are often caught wide open defensively. He would be the perfect fit…Whether United have got another £90m is another matter”

As Winterburn points out himself, it remains to be seen whether United would stump up the cash needed to sign Rice. West Ham are thought to be holding out for between £90m and £100m and they are under no pressure to sell.

While the England international has reportedly turned down two contract extensions, his current deal with the Irons expires in 2024, with an option for a further year.

There are cheaper options on the market than Rice and it will be up to the club’s recruitment department to decide whether the 22-year-old is genuinely worth the heavy investment.