RIO FERDINAND confessed that he would have gone for Declan Rice in the summer if he was the one in charge instead of Erik ten Hag.
The Manchester United legend believes the Arsenal midfielder’s ability cannot be matched and the only star that comes close is Jude Bellingham.
Rice has been on the radar of the Red Devils for most of his career and emerged as one of the frontrunners to sign the Englishman.
The former West Ham skipper hinted last term that Old Trafford was his favourite ground to play at.
But Arsenal’s decision to splash a British record fee at the time of £105million on the midfielder saw Rice make the move to North London.
Ferdinand still can’t get over the club’s failure to sign the England international.
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And hinted that Rice’s talent was only matched by superstar Jude Bellingham.
Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: “Declan Rice, I said it before Man Utd he was the player I would’ve 100% gone and got.
“You could argue there’s midfielders with more ability than him but I would argue that it’s only Jude Bellingham that comes near him.
“In terms of being able to get into a dressing room and get the respect of that dressing room on day two, three, four, straight away.
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“That’s why I thought he more than anybody it was important that Man United should’ve gone and got and they allowed Arsenal to go and get him.”
Since his move to the Emirates Rice has displayed some outstanding performances.
Mikel Arteta’s men sit at the top of the table after their heated clash against Luton where the midfielder scrapped a last-minute victory to secure all three points.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
