Declan Rice launches Man Utd charm offensive with staunch defence of Paul Pogba

Manchester United target Declan Rice has launched a fierce defence of Paul Pogba, describing the Frenchman as an "unbelievable" player.

Pogba, 28, has frequently come under the microscope for his performances since rejoining United from Juventus for a then world record fee of £89million in 2016.

But West Ham star Rice, who has been tipped as a potential replacement for the 2018 World Cup winner if he leaves Old Trafford when his contract expires in the summer, isn't having any of it.

When asked to pick his top five midfielders in the Premier League, Rice had no hesitation in selecting Pogba, sparking suggestions from some that the England international was on a charm offensive.

"He gets criticised but he's honestly one of the top three players I've ever played against," Rice told BT Sport.

"He's just so strong, so good on the ball. He can take the ball under a crazy amount of pressure and get out of it with an unbelievable bit of skill.

"He knows how to play one and two touch and can play long passes. He’s so, so good and I think you see the best of him probably when he plays for France.

"Since he's been in the Premier League there have been a lot of opinions about him but he is unbelievable.

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"My second game for West Ham was at Old Trafford, we lost 4-0 and I came on with half hour to go and he ran the show.

"I remember I went into a 50-50 with him, I hit him and I thought, 'what have I run into?', he was rock solid, he was so strong."

In response to the interview, one person said: "Good luck at Manchester United then, Declan Rice."

While someone else added: "I hope United are not ignoring these obvious come get me shouts by Declan Rice."

Rice has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but a deal won't come cheap for whoever does eventually acquire his services – if indeed he decides to leave the London Stadium.

"You’ll need humongous money to get close," West Ham boss David Moyes said of the midfielder's potential transfer valuation earlier this month.

"I said in the summer that I thought Declan Rice was £100m. That was the sales, that was cheap, that was your chance to get Declan Rice cheap."

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