Butt scoffs at Man Utd’s Rice transfer links – because they already have better

Former Manchester United coach Nicky Butt has scoffed at reports linking West Ham midfielder Declan Rice with a move to Old Trafford in the summer window.

Rice impressed for the Hammers, captaining David Moyes’ side for much of the season as they surprisingly qualified for next season’s Europa League.

He featured in 32 games for West Ham in the Premier League campaign just gone, as they finished fifth in the top-flight.

Those performances earnt him a call-up to the England squad for this summer’s Euro 2020 championships, with Rice starting both of the Three Lions’ games at the tournament so far.

They also saw him linked with a summer move to United, who are believed to be in the market for a new defensive midfielder.

But Butt, who won six Premier League titles during his 12-year senior career with Red Devils, believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already possesses better options in his current squad.

“For me, next season has to be about getting some silverware back in that trophy cabinet,” Butt said, speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at the launch of their European Championships 5-a-side Bet.

“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.

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“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.”

Instead of targeting a new midfielder, Butt believes that the Red Devils should look to boost their defensive options and called for United to sign Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

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