Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United would be better off pursuing a move for West Ham United midfield ace Declan Rice instead of Mason Mount this summer.
As revealed by the Manchester Evening News almost a fortnight ago, United have agreed personal terms with Mount ahead of a proposed summer switch to Old Trafford, but are yet to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a transfer fee. Reds manager Erik ten Hag wants to strengthen his midfield options this summer with the addition of a younger operator.
Mount, who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge next summer, wants to leave Chelsea and Ten Hag has identified him as a suitable candidate to strengthen the Reds' midfield. He wants to add a freshness to that area of the team and he believes the 24-year-old is an ideal fit.
However, Sky Sports pundit Carragher, as much he rates Mount, insists United are in greater need of a player of Rice's characteristics, saying he would be a "better fit" for their current squad.
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"Mason Mount is an upgrade on Christian Eriksen in terms of where he plays," Carragher told the Metro. "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.
"Rice and 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 Rice would suit United more than Mount in terms of how they set up."
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