Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov says the Red Devils don’t need to sign Declan Rice since they already have Casemiro.
The Red Devils are one of the clubs credited with an interest in the England and West Ham midfielder, even though no official approach has been made. But they are expected to bid for Rocs this summer as they look to continue the rebuild under Erik ten Hag.
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However, Berbatov does not see the need for United to join the race for the 24-year-old valued at over £100 million because they invested heavily in Brazil international Casemiro to fill their holding midfield role last summer.
“It all comes down to what the manager wants and how he sees the team in his head,” Berbatov told Betfred.
“Declan and Casemiro play in the same position, but the main difference between them is that one of them is 24 years old, and the other is 30 years old. One is slowly going towards the end of their career, and the other is not even in their prime yet and is producing football of great quality.
“Of course clubs are going to be after Declan Rice, and the main thing that Declan will want from a new club is the promise that he’s going to play. If he went to Manchester United, then he’s going to want to play, demand to play and he’s not going to want to sit on the bench. He won’t go to Manchester United if he believes there’s a chance that he may be a backup to Casemiro. It would be strange if Manchester United bought Declan Rice, considering that they’ve just bought Casemiro from Real Madrid. The only option you’d have would be to play them at the same time, but if you did that, then you’d have to sacrifice another midfielder that plays a more advanced role up the pitch.”
