Paul Scholes has identified three 'realistic targets' for Manchester United after making a U-turn and naming Arsenal star Declan Rice as his 'dream' signing. United are expected to prioritise midfield reinforcements this summer ahead of Casemiro's departure from Old Trafford.
Midfield overhaul on the cards
The Red Devils were already planning to sign a new midfielder before Brazil legend Casemiro announced in January that he was leaving at the end of the season. A number of players have been linked with moves to United, including Premier League stars Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali.
Scholes has backed Manchester United to prioritise the signing of a superstar midfielder this summer and surprisingly named Rice as his 'dream' signing. The 11-time Premier League winner has repeatedly questioned Rice's credentials over the past 12 months, recently naming three midfielders who are 'better' than the Arsenal star and also claiming the England star has not been Mikel Arteta's best player this season.
Scholes explains his choice
But asked to name his 'dream' Manchester United signing ahead of the summer transfer window, Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: 'I think I would go Declan Rice. I know I've slagged him off a little bit but I think Manchester United need someone like Rice. I think they need a proper central midfielder.'
He added: 'I heard Rio Ferdinand say something the other day about who is a realistic managerial target for United. But every manager and player should be realistic for Man United. Who isn't a realistic target for United? I don't believe that, I think anyone is possible for United. The ones they're talking about are Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali – that is a position United need to strengthen.'
Rice's impact at Arsenal
Rice has been one of the most influential players in the Premier League since his £105m move from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023. The 27-year-old is still waiting to lift his first major trophy with the Gunners, although that could change in the next few weeks. Arteta's men will clinch their first Premier League title since 2004 if they win their final two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace. The north Londoners have another shot at glory on May 30 when they take on PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest.
