Manchester United is “not the place to go at the moment” for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, according to Anton Ferdinand.
Rice, 23, has been heavily linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, having cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders with another impressive season at West Ham.
England international Rice has captained the Hammers throughout the campaign, helping them to the Europa League semi-finals.
West Ham are currently seventh in the Premier League, just three points behind Manchester United, and former Hammers defender Ferdinand believes it would be a mistake for Rice to join the Red Devils on the heels of Erik ten Hag’s appointment. as a coach.
“Man Utd is not the place to go at the moment. They are going through a massive transition period,” Ferdinand told The Sun.
“For me personally, if I were Rice, Man Utd is not a place I would go. I would wait a few years and see what Ten Hag does.
“If he can implement what he did at Ajax at Man Utd and make them look more like a team that he can challenge.
“Otherwise, what’s the point of leaving West Ham to go to a place where you’re not even in contention for a title?
“You are challenging to enter Europe. That is what West Ham is doing, challenging to enter the Champions League.
“We have something to build on. He would be in the same place at Man Utd and it would all come down to the stature of the football club.”
“As a footballer, I’m not going anywhere just because it’s a bigger club. You have everything at a club where you’re loved and you’re the main man.”
“At Man Utd, you will be one of many. Whereas, you can stay at West Ham and challenge Europe and be the main man.”
Chelsea are also interested in Rice, who is under contract with West Ham until 2024, with the club having the option to extend his contract for a further year.
Rice reportedly turned down the offer of a new deal at London Stadium, but Hammers boss David Moyes has insisted the midfielder will not be sold this summer.
Asked what he would do if he were in Rice’s position, Ferdinand insisted he would stay at West Ham but says he understands if the midfielder wants to leave for a title-challenging club.
“I personally prefer to stay [than join United]added Ferdinand, who made 163 appearances for West Ham during his playing days.
“But if he was one of the teams fighting for the league and got the money, it would be difficult for West Ham to keep him.
“As I said, if he were to leave, we as fans would appreciate what he has done for the club. He would always be loved and ranked as a legend.”
“And if we get over £100m for him and he’s back in the game then we can’t complain.”