Ole Gunnar Solskjær reveals how he and Erik ten Hag both wanted to sign an exceptional player at Manchester United but were unable to, blaming one individual at the club
Manchester United’s failure to secure Declan Rice, despite strong interest from former managers Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik ten Hag, remains a point of regret for the club. Both coaches saw Rice as a transformative player for their midfield, but internal indecision ultimately allowed Arsenal to sign him for a record-breaking £100 million.
Earlier this year, Solskjær openly expressed his disappointment over missing out on Rice. Reflecting on the situation during an appearance on The Overlap, he described Rice as a dynamic midfielder with exceptional energy and playmaking abilities. Solskjær acknowledged that while signing Rice would have been expensive, it was a move the club should have prioritized. Similarly, Ten Hag shared this sentiment, stating in May that Rice would have been an ideal addition to Manchester United’s squad. However, the club failed to act decisively during the summer transfer window, paving the way for Arsenal to seal the deal.
Reports from Talk of the Devils podcast revealed that Rice was a long-term target for United, but disagreements within the club hindered progress. Hosts Andy Mitten and Laurie Whitwell noted that while Solskjær, Ten Hag, and senior officials were eager to sign Rice, internal resistance—particularly from some scouts—questioned whether he was the right fit for the team. This lack of consensus proved costly as Arsenal moved swiftly to finalize the transfer.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has also criticized the club’s inaction, emphasizing that Rice’s leadership qualities and ability to inspire a dressing room would have been invaluable. Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand highlighted how Rice’s personality, work ethic, and respect among teammates made him a standout candidate. He argued that Rice could have elevated United’s standards both on and off the pitch and lamented the missed opportunity as a significant error in judgment.
Since his move to Arsenal, Rice has showcased why he was so highly sought after. His commanding performances, including a standout display against Manchester United, have highlighted the impact he could have made at Old Trafford. For United, the decision not to pursue Rice underscores deeper issues in transfer planning and internal decision-making, leaving fans to wonder how different their season might have been with the England international anchoring their midfield.
