Jamie Carragher urges Man Utd to torpedo £100m Arsenal signing and explains why current Ten Hag target will struggle
Jamie Carragher has told Manchester United why they must beat Arsenal in the race for a top-class England star, while also warning Erik ten Hag that one of his current transfer targets may not live up to expectations at Old Trafford.
Gareth Southgate’s England squad are currently preparing for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze could earn his Three Lions debut after being called up to the squad for the first time following his brilliant end to the season, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyrone Mings and Lewis Dunk have been recalled.
Plenty of stars who have played under Southgate for the national team could be on the move this summer. James Maddison is the subject of interest from both Tottenham and Newcastle, Harry Maguire is looking for a way out of Man Utd and has been linked with Spurs and Aston Villa, while Real Madrid have today [Wednesday] announced that they have reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund over Jude Bellingham’s capture.
Alongside Bellingham, two of the biggest transfers of the summer could involve England team-mates Declan Rice and Mason Mount.
Arsenal will soon send West Ham an official offer for Rice after brushing Bayern aside to emerge as frontrunners for him. However, their first bid may not be enough. While West Ham want £100m plus add-ons, Arsenal do not really want to pay more than £90m. As a result, it may take a few rounds of talks before the two clubs finalise a deal.
Mount, meanwhile, is getting closer to signing for Man Utd after Liverpool pulled out of the race to sign him. Indeed, the Red Devils have already agreed personal terms with him.
As with Rice though, it may take a few weeks before Mount’s move can be announced. Chelsea have asked for as much as £80m for their academy graduate, which is far more than what Man Utd are willing to pay.
During an interview with Metro, Carragher has questioned Mount’s switch to Old Trafford, stating that Ten Hag’s formation may not suit the 24-year-old. Instead, the pundit urged Man Utd to ruin Arsenal’s plans and improve their midfield with Rice’s signing.
Jamie Carragher discusses Man Utd priorities
“Mason Mount [is] an upgrade on [Christian] Eriksen in terms of where he plays,” Carragher said.
“But going back to Declan Rice, United are one of the few teams at the top who don’t play 4-3-3, it’s usually two midfielders with Bruno Fernandes.
“Declan Rice and Mason Mount, they are very different players and it shouldn’t be one or the other but when you look at what Manchester United have got right now, I actually think Declan Rice would be a better fit for them. A lot more expensive of course.
“I do think he [Mount] is a good player and I like him, I wanted Liverpool to get him. Lots of coaches have picked him and like him. There is already a good player in there but Declan Rice would suit United more than Mason Mount in terms of how they set up.”
Interestingly, Man Utd are plotting another midfield signing alongside Mount, but it does not look like they will pursue Rice. Instead, trusted source The Athletic have reported that they have burst into the race for an alternative midfield enforcer.
