Scholes reverses on Rice, urges Man Utd bid for Arsenal midfielder

Paul Scholes has undergone a notable shift in his assessment of Declan RicePlayer·Declan Rice, now urging Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United to pursue the ArsenalTeam·Arsenal midfielder in the summer transfer window despite having criticized him in the past.

Speaking on The Good The Bad The Football podcast, the Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United legend acknowledged his previous skepticism while making a compelling case for Rice as the solution to United's midfield rebuild. "I think I would go for Declan RicePlayer·Declan Rice," Scholes said. "I know I've criticized him a bit, but Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United requires someone like Rice. They need a genuine central midfielder."

The timing of Scholes' intervention carries particular weight given CasemiroPlayer·Casemiro's announced departure at season's end, leaving a significant void in United's engine room. Scholes framed Rice not merely as a capable replacement but as a player whose attributes align precisely with what United need to compete across the Premier League and Champions League.

ADVERTISEMENT

QATAR AIRWAYS

Going Places Together

Fly to 160+ destinations

BOOK NOW

The recommendation represents a credibility shift from one of English football's most respected voices. Scholes rejected the notion that elite players remain beyond United's reach, suggesting the club possesses the resources and appeal to attract top talent despite recent seasons of inconsistency.

Rice, 27, remains central to ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's title ambitions as the club navigates a fierce battle with Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City in the season's closing weeks. Any move would represent a significant statement of intent from United, though ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's reluctance to part with a cornerstone midfielder would present a formidable obstacle.

Scholes' endorsement underscores the scale of United's midfield challenge and the caliber of player the club's hierarchy may need to target to restore competitive balance. Whether the recommendation translates into concrete action remains to be seen, but it signals where at least one influential figure believes United's summer priorities should lie.