Me and Ten Hag wanted Him. He was a world-class player and wanted to join Manchester United but we failed to sign him all becauseof one man. This club has a very big problem and he is the big part of the problem. If he doesn’t leave now, Rúben Amorim will be sacked too”- BREAKING NEWS as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer how him and Erik ten Hag both wanted to sign an amazing player at Man Utd but never signed him all because of one This man at the club. “He latter joined another club in the Premier League and he is helping his teammates to win the league. Amorim must watch out”

Manchester United Missed Out on Declan Rice Despite Interest from Solskjær and Ten Hag
Both Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik ten Hag identified Declan Rice as a player who could transform Manchester United’s midfield during their tenures as managers, but internal hesitations led to the club losing out to Arsenal, who signed him for a record £100 million.

Solskjær’s Admiration for Rice
Earlier this year, Solskjær expressed regret over Manchester United’s failure to secure Rice, revealing on The Overlap:

“I really like him [Declan Rice] as a player. We discussed him a few times, and I think we would’ve done well with him in midfield. His legs, covering the pitch… he’s improved a lot in his playmaking too. He would’ve cost some money, but we could’ve and should’ve gone for him.”

Ten Hag’s Agreement
Erik ten Hag shared Solskjær’s view on Rice, stating back in May that the England international would have “absolutely fitted in” at United. However, United stalled on a move during the summer transfer window, allowing Arsenal to swoop in and secure Rice’s signature.

Internal Pushback and Missed Opportunities
According to Talk of the Devils podcast hosts Andy Mitten and Laurie Whitwell from The Athletic, Rice was a long-term target for United, but internal disagreements hindered progress.

Mitten said:

“Senior people at United wanted Rice. Solskjær wanted him. Ten Hag wanted him.”

Whitwell added:

“There was some pushback internally, particularly among scouts, who debated whether he was good enough for United.”

This hesitation proved costly, as Arsenal capitalized on United’s indecision and signed Rice, making him their club-record transfer.

Rio Ferdinand’s Verdict
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has been vocal about the club’s failure to secure Rice. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, he explained why the midfielder would have been a perfect fit for Manchester United:

“Declan Rice was the player I would’ve 100% gone and got. You could argue there are midfielders with more ability, but only Jude Bellingham comes close to him in terms of being able to control a dressing room and earn respect immediately.”

Ferdinand praised Rice’s leadership qualities, calling him a player who could elevate the dressing room culture:

“Not only with performances and standards but with the attitude, likeability, and respect he would command straight away. That’s why I thought he was the most important signing for United, and they allowed Arsenal to get him.”

Rice’s Impact at Arsenal
Since joining Arsenal, Declan Rice has proven his worth, delivering commanding performances, including a standout display against Manchester United on Wednesday. His ability to dominate the midfield has made United’s decision not to pursue him even more glaring.

What Could Have Been
For United, the failure to act decisively on Rice has highlighted ongoing issues in transfer strategy and internal decision-making. As Arsenal enjoys the benefits of Rice’s presence, United fans are left to wonder how different their midfield—and their fortunes—might have been if the club had taken the plunge.

The Declan Rice saga is another chapter in Manchester United’s transfer history that underlines the club’s struggles with decisive and effective recruitment. Missing out on Rice, a player who has proven his quality at Arsenal, raises questions about internal processes and decision-making at Old Trafford.

### **Key Points of Interest:**
1. **Solskjær’s Early Admiration:**
Solskjær recognized Rice’s potential to address Manchester United’s long-standing midfield issues, particularly his ability to cover ground and dictate play. However, his tenure was marred by inconsistent backing in the transfer market, and Rice’s price tag likely contributed to United’s reluctance.

2. **Ten Hag’s Alignment:**
Ten Hag, known for his meticulous planning, also viewed Rice as a transformational figure for United’s midfield. His endorsement, coupled with Solskjær’s prior interest, reflects the consensus around Rice’s abilities. Yet, hesitation within the club—reportedly due to internal disagreements—allowed Arsenal to secure the player.

3. **Scout Pushback:**
The debate among scouts regarding Rice’s suitability for United highlights broader issues in United’s recruitment structure. Such disagreements have often led to delays, missed opportunities, or underwhelming alternatives.

4. **Rio Ferdinand’s Analysis:**
Ferdinand’s emphasis on Rice’s leadership and ability to command respect adds another layer to the missed opportunity. Beyond his on-pitch qualities, Rice’s influence in the dressing room and his consistency would have addressed both tactical and cultural gaps at United.

5. **Rice’s Arsenal Impact:**
Rice has excelled since joining Arsenal, delivering commanding performances that reinforce why both Solskjær and Ten Hag viewed him as a priority. His dominance against Manchester United on Wednesday was a stark reminder of what the club missed.

### **What Went Wrong?**
United’s hesitation appears to have stemmed from:
– **Financial Concerns:** A £100 million fee was significant, though arguably justified by Rice’s impact.
– **Internal Division:** Disagreements between scouts and decision-makers hindered momentum.
– **Lack of Urgency:** Arsenal acted swiftly, while United’s indecision allowed their rivals to secure Rice.

### **The Bigger Picture:**
This missed transfer underscores persistent inefficiencies in Manchester United’s recruitment strategy, which Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth will need to address. A clear, unified approach to scouting and signing top targets is essential if United are to avoid similar disappointments in the future.

### **Looking Ahead:**
Manchester United now faces the challenge of identifying and securing midfielders who can replicate Rice’s qualities. Potential alternatives like Vítor Vitinha or Manuel Ugarte may not fully match Rice’s profile, but the club must act decisively to address its midfield issues before the January window closes.