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Mixed martial arts Declan Rice isn’t what Manchester United need
It was a heartbreaking loss for Manchester United fans as they watched their nearest city rivals lift the FA Cup trophy.
However, there will be little time to dwell on the past, as Erik ten Hag has a big challenge ahead of him to rebuild and revamp his team for the next campaign.
We were lucky enough to have a chat with former Manchester United star Mikael Silvestre, who shared his insights on some of the current players and some of the possible transfers that could happen this summer.
In this article:
- Garnacho’s breakthrough season
- De Gea has improved despite his errors
- Luke Shaw is now reaching his peak
- Rashford’s exceptional season
- Declan Rice isn’t what United need
- Neymar to United is pure speculation
Garnacho’s breakthrough season
Alejandro Garnacho, the Argentinian winger, has been a revelation this season. He has thrilled the Old Trafford crowd with his fearless and adventurous style of play. He loves to take on defenders and create chances with his dribbling skills.
His quality and potential was on full display through his dramatic injury time winner against Fulham at Craven Cottage. It was a moment that delighted the fans and gave them a taste of what Garnacho is capable of. Silvestre thinks that Garnacho will have a bigger role under ten Hag next season and is eager to see him afforded.
“Garnacho´s gametime will continue increasing if he continues to grow. He is one of the youngsters who have had a great impact this season.”
“He will get more minutes next season. He is showing when he is coming on that he can score goals and make assists. He is continuing to improve and we can expect him to improve even more, maybe with more starting opportunities.”
De Gea has improved despite his errors
However, the future of goalkeeper David De Gea is still a hot topic of discussion. The Spainaird has made several high profile errors this season, whilst his ability to facilitate playing out from the back has also come into question.
Silvestre believes this has been a bounceback season for De Gea despite the errors and claims he has improved in his level of performance this season.
“This season has been a bounce back for David De Gea from his previous season. He has still made a few mistakes but he has had a great season.”
“He has improved this season and he has been really important for the team. You can´t be on top all the time but he has been really good.”
Luke Shaw is now reaching his peak
Luke Shaw has proven himself to be a trusted lieutenant of Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the season saw him dropped for summer signing Tyrell Malacia. The left-back has shown a level of consistency and reliability across the season. His ability to deputise at centre back when fellow defender Lisandro Martinez was unavailable, showed a level of quality and versatility to his game which has impressed Silvestre.
“Luke Shaw is reaching his peak right now. He has improved a lot of things in his game and he is really calm in tough situations.”
“He is showing composure, which is really important and the other players in the back really trust him.”
Rashford’s exceptional season
It’s also been an excellent season for forward Marcus Rashford who has shown resilience to bounce from a disappointing 2021/22 season. His 30 goals this season played a vital role in United’s Carabao Cup win, their top four finish as well as an FA Cup final spot.
Whilst Silvestre believes there is room for improvement from the Englishman, he has been impressed with the way in which Rashford has been able to step up this season and contribute with a large number of goals for the Reds.
“I think Marcus Rashford has been exceptional for a long period. He has scored many goals and he has really stepped up this season.”
“He is the number one goalscorer for the club and on the back of a good World Cup he just continued scoring goals for Man United.”
“There is always room for improvement but the margins for him are very small. He is already scoring a lot of goals in the Premier League. He can maybe improve his relationship on the pitch with his teammates so they can create even more chances for him.”
“He is always searching for solutions to improve his game and you can see that he isn’t happy when he is not scoring goals, which is important. He just needs to continue.”
Declan Rice isn’t what United need
United have been linked with a move for West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice, who looks set to leave the Hammers this summer. He finds himself in high demand with Arsenal and Bayern Munich also very interested. Despite his obvious quality, SIlvestre feels as though the summer signing of Casemiro last year means Declan Rice isn’t a signing the United need to be making.
“When you have Casemiro, I don’t think you need Declan Rice because it’s not the way Erik wants to play, with two sitting defensive midfielders. I don’t think that’s the best option.”
“It’s not what United needs.”
Neymar to United is pure speculation
With Neymar possibly on the move from PSG, rumours have circulated that United is a potential destination for the Brazilian forward. It would be a huge transfer for the club in terms of the fees and the wages involved. Silvestre feels as though the Neymar transfer news is pure speculation and cannot envisage such a move whilst the United takeover has yet to be completed.
“I think for Neymar it’s pure speculation. I don’t know where it’s coming from.”
“He’s still under contract with Paris and has always been linked to United.”
“Before you take on Neymar, you have to deal with the takeover of the club I think.”
