In Focus: Casemiro and Rice could make perfect Man Utd midfield duo

Two of the top Premier League midfielders could come face-to-face when West Ham host Manchester United. 

Declan Rice will be hoping to return to David Moyes' starting XI to help the Hammers in their quest to avoid relegation, while Casemiro is central to the Red Devils' hopes of securing Champions League qualification. 

It was reported that Old Trafford chiefs made an unsuccessful £100million bid for the England international last summer, before turning their attention to the Brazilian. 

Ahead of the crucial clash at the London Stadium, we compare the two players and examine whether Rice and Casemiro could be team-mates next season. 

Main man

Manchester United were desperate to upgrade their midfield options last summer. After failing to prise Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, they then had their bid for Rice turned down. 

Eventually, they got the level of player that they were looking for. Casemiro arrived from Real Madrid in a deal worth £70m. 

An obvious difference between the South American anchor and the talents United had previously targeted, was that their new signing was much older. 

Aged the wrong side of 30, there was a lot of criticism of Casemiro's transfer at the time of the deal but he has certainly delivered in his debut campaign. 

He has been instrumental in the club's success in a season in which they have won the Carabao Cup, reached the FA Cup final and look on course to qualify for the Champions League. 

At Real, the Selecao international was perhaps overlooked among the midfield stars of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Now he is the main man and has shown the breadth of his ability. 

Rice role

Though he ostensibly fills a holding midfield role in Ten Hag's team, Casemiro has also been able to showcase his attacking capabilities, scoring five goals and assisting seven in all competitions. 

Though Rice may well have offered more value for money over the long-term, it is hard to imagine that he would have been the better option for United this season. 

His best position is so far undefined, playing a more restrained role for the Three Lions while handed greater freedom at club level.

At 24, he is still growing in experience, while Casemiro already has undeniable know-how, winning the Champions League five times.

With only 18 months remaining on his contract, this summer could be the perfect time for Rice to leave East London and take his game to the next level under Erik ten Hag.

Powerful duo

United are still linked with Rice and given his price tag, they may yet ultimately decide that they have bigger priorities elsewhere. 

However, in many ways it would appear to be a signing that would make a lot of sense for both the club and player. 

Casemiro and Rice would form a powerful midfield duo, to be complemented by the playmaking abilities of either Bruno Fernandes or Christian Eriksen. 

The ex-Los Blancos enforcer would seem the perfect figure to direct the Londoner, who would be an able deputy.

Casemiro has been suspended three times this season and may also become more susceptible to injury as he ages. 

Buying someone that can both play alongside him and one day take on his role, would be smart forward planning.