Despite his great form since joining Arsenal, Andy Cole of Manchester United is not persuaded Declan Rice would have been the appropriate option to solve a problem position for Erik ten Hag.

Rice, an England midfielder, joined Arsenal from West Ham in a £105 million deal this summer. Prior to Ten Hag’s appointment, he was on the radar for important figures at Old Trafford.

Since taking over as Rice’s manager last summer, the former Ajax manager has made five acquisitions. Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Mason Mount are among them, with Marcel Sabitzer and Sofyan Amrabat joining on loan.

While ex-United striker Cole admits Rice is at the height of his form, he believes there is no room for him and Casemiro in the same midfield. Casemiro is now out with a hamstring injury, although Rice, 24, continues to impress at Emirates Stadium.

“I hear all that chat and do get it,” Cole told Betfred, “but Manchester United bought Casemiro last summer.” You can have one or the other, but you can’t sign two elite players at the same time.

“Declan Rice joined Arsenal for £105 million, and Casemiro joined Manchester United for £60 million.” They couldn’t sign Casemiro one summer and Rice the next.

“First and foremost, United needed to sign a striker this summer, which they did, and then they decided to buy a goalkeeper as well.” Where did they get the money to sign Declan? Would Declan have had a greater impact at Manchester United than he has at Arsenal? Would signing Declan result in United climbing the table? “I’m not certain.”

“I’m aware of how well he’s doing for Arsenal at the moment,” Cole, 52, continued, “but United are a different proposition.” They’re a different team, they play a different style, and they’re dealing with a lot of issues right now. Would Rice’s arrival at United have made a significant difference? “It’s all ifs and buts.”