Pundit says Manchester United target would form ‘great midfield partnership’ with Casemiro

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Tony Cascarino believes Declan Rice would form a formidable partnership with Casemiro at Manchester United.

Manchester United are outsiders to win the race for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

A couple of days ago it had looked like a battle between Manchester United and Arsenal for Declan Rice’s signature.

The Athletic report Manchester City are looking to make a bid for the England international, with Gianluca di Marzio claiming they lead the race for the midfielder.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24

Tony Cascarino on Declan Rice to Manchester United

Pundit and former footballer Tony Cascarino told The Times that he believes Declan Rice would form a formidable partnership with Casemiro in Manchester United’s midfield.

Cascarino said: “He would also be guaranteed to start at United, though I feel they are still some way behind Arsenal in terms of their development. He would need to ask the manager, Erik ten Hag, who the club are planning to bring in and where he would fit.

“Rice would certainly lift United and make them less ponderous in midfield. From a technical point of view he is in front of Scott McTominay and way better than Fred.

“Rice and Casemiro would be a great midfield partnership: they would both win possession a lot and then do the simple things well, rarely giving the ball away.”

Manchester United look set to win the race for Rice’s close pal and England teammate Mason Mount instead.

United cannot afford to buy both straight up, while also funding a move for a striker and a goalkeeper.

This is why United’s efforts to sign Rice seem destined to fail, with a swap offer reported by The Mail to include £40 million, Harry Maguire, and Anthony Elanga.

Declan Rice instead is expected to sign for one of United’s rivals. Cascarino added that between City and Arsenal, he should choose the Gunners, as he would be able to play more regularly, rather than risk simply being a bench player like Kalvin Phillips.