Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand believes one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season would have been a “ridiculous” signing for his old club.
Over the last few years, Mikel Arteta has assembled one of the strongest and most balanced squads in the Premier League. What was once a mid-table team has evolved into a serious title contender, blending tactical structure with star quality across the pitch.
This past summer, sporting director Andrea Berta continued that upward trajectory, spending around £250 million to bring in eight new faces. The investment has paid off quickly, with Arsenal currently sitting a point clear at the top of the Premier League after seven games. Their consistency and squad depth have caught the attention of former players and pundits alike — including Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand: Declan Rice would have been a “ridiculous” signing for Man United
Declan Rice has made a huge impression since joining Arsenal from West Ham, and his performances this season have reached an even higher level.
Now operating in a more fluid role alongside Martín Zubimendi, Rice has shown greater versatility — dropping deeper to initiate play while still offering his trademark intensity in midfield. His goal against his former club, West Ham, at the weekend was another reminder of his growing influence under Arteta.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the ex-United defender couldn’t hide his admiration for the England international and revealed that he had urged his former club to sign Rice or Moisés Caicedo when both were available.
“I don’t think there’s much between them, I’ve got to be honest,” Ferdinand said. “I’d have been happy with either one of them. When they were both up for sale, I was screaming for Man United to go for them because I saw the value in Caicedo.
“I think Caicedo would have been magnificent for Manchester United given time, and I think Declan would have been a ridiculous signing as well. It’s splitting hairs between those two, to be honest.”
Rice’s influence at Arsenal
Declan Rice has adapted brilliantly to the evolving tactical setup at Arsenal. His positioning has become more intelligent, his passing more precise, and his leadership qualities more evident with every game.
While last season saw him excel as a box-to-box enforcer, this campaign has revealed a more composed and strategic side to his game. Playing beside Zubimendi allows Rice to dictate play from deep, control transitions, and add balance to Arsenal’s midfield.
His numbers so far in the 2024/25 season underline that progression — combining defensive solidity with forward thrust and positional awareness that few in the Premier League can match.
Gary Neville sees it differently
While Ferdinand believes there’s little to separate Rice and Caicedo, fellow pundit Gary Neville has taken a different stance. Neville insists the Chelsea midfielder is the superior defensive option, arguing that Caicedo’s tackling and recovery speed give him the edge in that role.
However, even Neville admits Rice is more complete overall. The Arsenal man not only protects the defence but also builds attacks and brings calmness in possession — qualities United have sorely missed in recent years.
As Arsenal continue their title pursuit, Rice’s maturity and influence will be crucial. His steady improvement each season has made him one of the Premier League’s most reliable midfielders — and perhaps, as Ferdinand suggested, the “ridiculous” signing that Manchester United let slip away.
