Rio Ferdinand claims Arsenal star would have chosen to join Manchester United for same salary

The Manchester United icon believes Rice might have joined the Red Devils if the club had matched Arsenal’s financial offer.

Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal, suggesting that the midfielder might have chosen Old Trafford over the Emirates if Manchester United had matched Arsenal’s financial offer.

Rice, who joined Arsenal in 2023 for a record-breaking £105 million from West Ham United, has quickly become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s squad. His recent performances, particularly in Arsenal’s Champions League triumph over Real Madrid, have solidified his reputation as one of the world’s premier midfielders.

Declan Rice delivered a masterclass performance midweek as Arsenal knocked out European champions Real Madrid from the Champions League. The 26-year-old shined at the Santiago Bernabeu, guiding the Gunners to a 2-1 win, following his brace in their dominant 3-0 first-leg victory.

The much-anticipated face-off between Declan Rice and his fellow England international Jude Bellingham lived up to the hype, but it was Rice who emerged victorious in every aspect. His commanding performance perfectly justified Arsenal’s decision to spend £105 million to secure his services in 2023.

Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted Rice’s exceptional display against Madrid as a defining moment in his career, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.

Reflecting on the transfer saga, Ferdinand expressed his belief that Manchester United missed a golden opportunity. “If United had come to the table with a chequebook and said, ‘We’ll match what Arsenal pay,’ I think Declan Rice would have chosen Manchester United,” Ferdinand remarked. This statement has reignited discussions about United’s transfer strategies and their ability to attract top-tier talent.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, has praised Rice’s growth and impact on the team. Ahead of their Premier League clash with Ipswich Town, Arteta described Rice as being in a “different dimension” following his stellar performances. “Performances like the one against Real Madrid elevate a player into a different dimension—and that’s exactly why we brought him here,” Arteta stated.