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Here is a roundup of the top Manchester United news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Cole Palmer, Declan Rice and Rasmus Hojlund that you guys could have missed…

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has identified Declan Rice as his “dream” summer signing for the Old Trafford club, in a notable shift from his previous criticism of the Arsenal star.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Scholes admitted he would prioritise a move for the England international as United look to rebuild their midfield ahead of the next campaign. The 11-time Premier League winner suggested Rice has the attributes required to address long-standing issues in the centre of the pitch, particularly with uncertainty surrounding veteran midfielder Casemiro’s future

Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: ‘I think I would go Declan Rice.

‘I know I’ve slagged him off a little bit but I think Manchester United need someone like Rice. I think they need a proper central midfielder. I heard Rio Ferdinand say something the other day about who is a realistic managerial target for United. But every manager and player should be realistic for Man United.

‘Who isn’t a realistic target for United? I don’t believe that, I think anyone is possible for United. The ones they’re talking about are Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Sando Tonali – that is a position United need to strengthen.’

The endorsement comes amid broader scrutiny of Manchester United’s recruitment strategy, with the club continuing to search for a long-term solution in midfield capable of competing at both domestic and European level. Scholes’ comments echo a growing sentiment among pundits that United require a dominant, defensively astute presence to complement their attacking options.

While any potential deal would be complicated by Rice’s importance to Arsenal, the England international’s profile fits the type of signing many believe United must pursue if they are to close the gap to their Premier League rivals.

For now, Scholes’ remarks underline both the scale of the challenge facing Manchester United and the calibre of player he believes is required to restore the club to the top tier of English football

GIGGS MAKES COLE PALMER CLAIM

Former Red Devils winger Ryan Giggs has added fresh fuel to transfer speculation by openly suggesting Chelsea’s Cole Palmer would “fit the bill” as a summer signing for Manchester United, potentially easing some of the creative burden carried by captain Bruno Fernandes. Giggs’ remarks, made on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, have reignited debate around United’s recruitment strategy for the upcoming transfer window.

The England international has been repeatedly linked with a move to Old Trafford, with pundits and supporters alike citing his creative prowess and goal threat as ideal complements to United’s attacking ranks.

Giggs, speaking alongside fellow former Red Devil Patrice Evra, stressed that Palmer’s versatility and flair could reduce United’s heavy reliance on Bruno Fernandes — who has been the primary source of chances for the club this season. Asked if Palmer would fit the bill at Manchester United on the Rio Presents YouTube channel, Giggs told his former team-mate Rio Ferdinand: ‘Yeah, he would, Manchester lad.

‘Where would he play with obviously Bruno [Fernandes] at No.10? He could play off the right possibly. But yeah, we talk about [Rasmus] Hojlund and [Benjamin] Sesko, it’s only really Bruno who is creating things time and time again.

‘What if Bruno has a bad day or he’s injured? You need three or four players in your squad who can make things happen for these players to put the ball in the back of the net.’

Palmer’s Response and Chelsea Commitment

Despite the mounting links to United, Palmer himself has publicly distanced from transfer chatter. In comments reported this week, the Chelsea playmaker emphatically denied plans to leave Stamford Bridge, insisting he is focused on finishing the season strongly — particularly as Chelsea fight for European qualification and prepare for an FA Cup semi-final.

“Everyone just talks. When I see it I just laugh,” Palmer said. “Obviously Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it … I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea.”

He stressed the importance of team goals and suggested that if CHELSEA secure a Champions League berth, it would strengthen the club’s position and make departures less likely. Palmer remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033, making any potential move both costly and complicated

Manchester United’s midfield options have come under increased scrutiny as the season reaches a critical stage. Fernandes, a talismanic figure for the Red Devils, has shouldered a significant creative load, registering a high number of assists despite intermittent team inconsistency.

With Casemiro’s departure confirmed at the end of the current campaign, and questions lingering over squad depth, United’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements appears more urgent. Although Palmer represents a high-profile target, reports indicate the club is also exploring other midfield options, including alternatives from European leagues

HOJLUND MESSAGE SENT

Ryan Giggs has called on Manchester United to hand Rasmus Højlund a second chance at Old Trafford, as the Danish striker continues to impress during his loan spell in Italy.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former United winger suggested the club should not be too quick to move on from the forward, who has rediscovered form with Napoli in Serie A. His comments come amid growing discussion over United’s attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Højlund, who joined Manchester United in 2023 for a significant fee, endured a difficult spell in the Premier League, struggling for consistency in a side that lacked attacking cohesion. However, his fortunes have improved markedly in Italy, where regular minutes and a more settled system have helped him regain confidence in front of goal.

Giggs acknowledged the striker’s earlier struggles but framed them in the context of expectations placed on a young player leading the line at a club of United’s stature. “Maybe Højlund,” Giggs said when asked which loanees deserved another opportunity. Asked if he would keep any of that triumverated, he added. ‘Maybe Hojlund, maybe. I thought he was unlucky he was just the only centre forward at the club.

‘Everyone expected him to come in and do great. I think Sesko gets more chances and scores more goals.

‘You see at United that’s always been a strength. I say training is harder than the games, if you’ve United centre halves at one end marking Sesko it’s going to be competitive.’

Despite that, Giggs believes United should at least consider reintegrating the forward, particularly as the club looks to rebuild its attacking identity under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has steadied results since taking charge earlier this year.

United’s Summer Decisions

The debate surrounding Højlund comes at a pivotal moment for United’s recruitment strategy. With uncertainty surrounding several attacking players and the club expected to invest in new forwards, decisions over returning loanees could prove crucial.

Giggs hinted that competition for places — historically a hallmark of successful Manchester United sides — could benefit players like Højlund if he were to return. The presence of multiple young strikers competing for a starting role, he suggested, could raise standards and ease pressure on any single player.

At the same time, financial considerations may influence the club’s stance. A permanent sale would provide funds for reinvestment, while a reintegration would represent a gamble on Højlund’s continued development.

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