Manchester United should have signed Declan Rice instead of Jadon Sancho last summer, according to pundit Carlton Palmer.

The Red Devils brought in Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in July, while Rice has remained at West Ham for another season.

How have Rice and Sancho fared this season?

Rice has continued to go from strength to strength in recent months. Playing at the heart of West Ham's midfield, he has played a key role in the team pushing for a top-six finish, while the Irons are also into the quarter-finals of the Europa League. The 6 foot 2 midfielder also appears to be one of the first names on the teamsheet for his country.

Meanwhile, Sancho's maiden campaign at Old Trafford has not gone to plan. He has chipped in with just three goals and three assists in the Premier League, some way down on his numbers from previous seasons in the Bundesliga.

This led to him being left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad last month.

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What has Palmer said about Rice and Sancho?

Palmer feels United made a mistake by signing Sancho rather than Rice as he believes the West Ham man was exactly the type of player that the 13-time Premier League champions needed.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Palmer said: “They went and paid £73m for Sancho. I would have paid £100m then for Declan Rice, because that is what they’re crying out for. He is going to be in demand.”

Will Man United manage to sign Rice this summer?

It looks like they could have their work cut out.

Rice is reportedly being monitored by Manchester City and Chelsea heading into the summer transfer window. These teams could also have the advantage of being able to offer the 29-cap international Champions League football next season, while United are in serious danger of missing out on that competition.

Furthermore, there is the issue of Rice's price-tag. David Moyes recently claimed that the 23-year-old is worth at least £150m, which would be a Premier League transfer record fee.

It seems unlikely that United would be willing to pay that much for Rice. Therefore, they will probably have to negotiate with West Ham to agree on a suitable fee, or face the prospect of failing to sign Rice once again.