Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has revealed the Red Devils’ midfield problems and how the club ignored his advice on signing Declan Rice. United have lacked a dominant figure in midfield since the retirements of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.
Big-money acquisitions like Paul Pogba suggested a return to the top was near, but they fell short, putting the Red Devils in second fiddle to powers such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Bryan Robson advice ignored
Robson, alongside Denis Irwin, served in a consultancy role for United, providing guidance on potential transfers. Both urged the club to pursue Rice when he was ready to leave West Ham. Now a £105million Arsenal star and a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad, Rice represents a midfield talent United missed out on. Robson told OLBG: “If I could get a midfielder player, it would be Declan Rice. He’s still a decent age and got plenty of years left. I just think he does most things on a football pitch.”
Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, United’s midfield signings—Fellaini, Herrera, Blind, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Pogba, Matic, Fred, Van de Beek, Casemiro, Eriksen, and Ugarte—have largely failed to dominate, leaving the club short in key matches and struggling for consistency.
Looking ahead: Wharton and the future
United did show interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but Robson also sees potential in Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who previously wanted a move to Old Trafford. “The challenge of Man United might bring the best out of him,” Robson said. Securing young, dynamic midfielders remains crucial if United want to finally compete at the highest level.
Author’s Opinion
Missing Declan Rice is a cautionary tale. This summer United need to act decisively, signing midfielders who can boss a game and stabilise. To listen to legends like Robson isn’t just advice—it’s a roadmap for rebuilding the spine of the team.
As featured on ManUNews.com
