Nicky Butt claims Manchester United do not need to sign Declan Rice

Former Manchester United coach Nicky Butt believes that signing Declan Rice should not be the club’s priority.

The Red Devils have been linked to the signing of the West Ham United skipper in this transfer window.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already has a rich pool of midfielders at his disposal.

Fred and Scott McTominay have been favoured in the double pivot positions with Nemanja Matic proving to be a robust rotational player.

Paul Pogba has been deployed mostly on the flanks since the turn of the year.

Having a holding midfielder like Declan Rice would help Pogba to drop back in the midfield spot. 

However, Butt believes that United already have a player who can perform a similar role.

He told Manchester Evening News: “For me, next season has to be about getting some silverware back in that trophy cabinet.

“It’s about getting the right players who will allow you to challenge for trophies. 

“It’s a winning club, so we can’t go this long without silverware. I think Man United are solid enough in midfield. 

“I keep hearing things about Declan Rice, but is he a better player than Scott McTominay?

“I’m not sure – I think with McTominay, Paul Pogba and obviously Bruno Fernandes, we’re in a good place in the middle of the park.

He was then quizzed on which position needs to be bolstered in this summer window.

The former United coach replied that a new defensive stalwart will be the key to the team’s success.

He added: “The biggest thing that needs addressing for me at Manchester United this summer is that centre-back position – we need a partner for Harry Maguire.

“Everyone talks about Raphael Varane. 

“I understand he’s a little bit older than most people would perhaps like, but you just have to go back to the days of Teddy Sheringham.

“I think we bought him when he was 32, and we went and won the treble with him. 

“If Varane is available, then I’d go all out for him.”

The Real Madrid star is one of the few A-List players who have been touted for a move to Old Trafford this summer. 

His contract with the Los Blancos is due to expire at the end of the next season and is yet to pen down an extension.

It is believed that the La Liga giants will favour selling the player this summer rather than see him leave on a free transfer next year.

Varane has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, having tried to sign him previously in 2011 and 2018.

It remains to be seen if the United boardroom can sign this key defender to strengthen their team before the start of a crucial season.

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