Kenny Cunningham feels Declan Rice would be an excellent signing for Manchester United, with his versatility ticking boxes in both central defence and holding midfield.
Bruno Fernandes has added an extra element to United's midfield, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side chase top four in the Premier League.
Former Republic of Ireland captain Cunningham joined OTB AM this morning and said there are areas where United can make improvements.
"In Fred and [Scott] McTominay they've got quite versatile players that can come into the midfield area. [But] if you're looking to bring a player into the squad like-for-like for Pogba or Fernandes for a large chunk of next season... McTominay and Fred aren't going to do it.
"They're different types of players. That's when you have to go and spend your money on a Jack Grealish, and sit him on the bench for a fair chunk of the season, knowing that if [Pogba or Fernandes] get injured, then you have a player of a similar quality from a technical point of view to bring into the team.
"Further down the pitch... I actually think that holding midfield position still for me is [an area to improve]. Matic is a very experienced player, but he hasn't got the legs he had a couple of years ago.
"The obvious solution is probably out there to be honest with you. The more I look at Manchester United I think they need a top-class centre-half who can also play in a holding midfield position with a certain technical level."
Kenny feels England international Rice is the man who can do both jobs.
"For me it's Declan Rice. I know he's linked with Chelsea and he'd be a great signing for Chelsea. Declan can play in the back four, he can play as a centre-half in a two or three, and we know how effective he can be playing in that holding midfield position.
"I look at Manchester United and I look at Declan Rice and the more I look I think he's the player for me. In terms of his qualities and versatility, he could drop in alongside [Harry] Maguire.
Manchester United's Harry Maguire"Maguire has to play, they spent the money and he's got to stay in the team. I wouldn't have been spending the money on Maguire with the type of skill-sets he has but he's at the club now and looks like he's going to be captain material going forward.
"You're going to have to get someone around him that compliments him and makes up for those slight limitations in Maguire's game. I think Declan Rice, in terms of athleticism, speed on the ground, how competent he is on the ball, he could play alongside Maguire and he would improve United.
"He could also play in that holding midfield position behind Pogba and Fernandes. He ticks a lot of the boxes for a lot of the top clubs this summer - Manchester United, Chelsea in particular, but also Spurs and Arsenal, but I don't think those two will get him.
"I'm waiting to see who will possibly jump and put big money on the table for Declan Rice. Manchester United should be one of those teams looking to put serious money on the table to get him in the door."
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