Liverpool legend names star Man Utd must buy to succeed Nemanja Matic

Manchester United have been told to consider a move to sign Declan Rice as a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic.

The 31-year-old Serbia midfielder joined United from Chelsea in 2017 and has made 116 appearances in all competitions.

His time at the club appeared to coming to a close, but a fine run of form has seen him rewarded with a new two-year deal.

Matic now looks a vital cog again under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, especially with Paul Pogba coming back into the side.

But Liverpool legend John Barnes thinks Solskjaer will still be considering who might replace him in the side in the long run.

And he believes West Ham star Rice would be an ideal signing.

Rice has been strongly linked with a move to former club Chelsea in recent weeks. Barnes, however, is adamant that United will come calling before too long.

Barnes said: “United must look to the future and Declan Rice is a good young English player. He would be a good signing for United.

“Of course, he’s a West Ham player . From his own point of view if he must move on, I think United would be a good place for him. “

Barnes, however, says Rice might have to be a signing further down the line for Solskjaer.

He added: “I am not sure that he would come into Manchester United and take over that defensive midfield role just yet. Not since Nemanja Matic recently signed a two-year contract.”

United agree deal for Real Madrid left-back

United, meanwhile, have reportedly signed Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Fernandez Carreras on a free transfer.

The left-back, who was part Real’s youth academy, saw his contract come to an end on June 30. He was unable to agree a new deal with the Spanish club.

Madrid did make every effort to try and sign the youngster to a new, improved deal. However, he elected to turn that down in favour of a move elsewhere.

AS reports that United then made their move and ‘pressed’ for his signature, offering a long-term contract.