Rio Ferdinand believes that Declan Rice would have opted to join Manchester United instead of Arsenal if the Red Devils offered the wages he was handed at the Emirates.
The England international has gained plaudits for a number of stellar recent performances, including his displays in Arsenal’s thumping 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The midfielder was awarded with the Player of the Match prize in both legs of the tie as Mikel Arteta’s men kept hopes of a maiden Champions League triumph alive.
United also enjoyed a memorable midweek, progressing to the last four the Europa League after a remarkable 5-4 comeback win over Lyon.
Their exploits in Europe stand in sharp contrast to their miserable domestic campaign, with the Red Devils currently sitting in 14th place and on course to record their lowest-ever Premier League points tally.
Ferdinand, however, believes that the pull of Old Trafford would have been too difficult for Rice to ignore when making his £100million switch from West Ham, if the Red Devils had matched the wages on offer in north London.
Rio Ferdinand believes Declan Rice would have chosen Man United over Arsenal ‘for the same wages’
The England international has gained plaudits for stellar performances against Real Madrid
Ferdinand’s comments come despite Man United’s league struggles, while Arsenal are second
Regaling Rice’s performance against 15-time European champions Real Madrid, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: ‘Declan Rice, I think, you know when you look at players and go where was the moment he stood up and said, “guys, the top table, I’m at it”.
‘I think this tie says that. Doing against a team of that magnitude, that type of team, that champion.
‘And we [Manchester United] didn’t go and sign him.
‘I think, and I will stand by this, if Man United had come to the table with a chequebook and said, “we’ll match what Arsenal pay’, I think Declan Rice would have chosen Man United.’
Irrespective of the accuracy of the former defender’s assessment, Rice will be delighted to be spearheading a Gunners team with the chance to make history this season.
The Gunners disappointment at seeing their Premier League title challenge falter has dissipated in recent weeks amid their European campaign.
Arsenal take on soon-to-be relegated Ipswich Town on Sunday knowing defeat could allow Liverpool to clinch the title that afternoon.
Attention in north London is now firmly fixed on their semi-final clashes against French champions Paris Saint-Germain on April 29 and May 7.
