Frank McAvennie responds as Gary Neville suggests West Ham exit necessary for Declan Rice
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has rubbished the thought of Declan Rice leaving West Ham for Manchester United.
Gary Neville claimed on Sky Sports Monday Night Football earlier this week [18/10/21] that the Irons midfielder, 22, will need to leave the east London club for a Champions League side at some point in the future, in order to continue his development.
However, ex-Irons forward McAvennie suggests the ex-Red Devils defender may have had ulterior motives when he said that.
McAvennie told West Ham Zone: “I think he will [become a Champions League player], because West Ham might make the Champions League this year!
“I know what he’s talking about, he’s talking about he’s the ideal player for Manchester United. He’s a holding player that Manchester United need, but they’re not going to get into the Champions League!
“I tell you what, I’m not being disrespectful, Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], for all the players that are there, they shouldn’t be getting beat. It’s embarrassing when you’ve got [Cristiano] Ronaldo.”
McAvennie may have been a little tongue-in-cheek with his comments over West Ham and the Champions League, but the Irons are certainly heading in the right direction under David Moyes, and Rice shouldn’t be in a rush to leave the London Stadium.
He’s currently starring in the Europa League for the club, and a top-four spot this season is not beyond the realms of reality.
Of course, there is still a long way to go in the season, and injuries could prove to be catastrophic for Moyes.
But, at this rate, there is no need for Rice to plan an imminent exit from the Irons, certainly not for a Manchester United side in disarray under an unproven manager.
In other West Ham news, Simon Jordan suggested this ‘Makeweight’ Irons transfer live on talkSPORT.
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