Arsenal star Declan Rice sends heartfelt message ahead of Manchester United clash

Declan Rice wrote a heartfelt message to a family member ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United. The Gunners signed Rice from West Ham in a £105 million deal last summer, with the 24-year-old making a huge impact in his first season at the Emirates Stadium.

During his time at West Ham and while playing for England, Rice was deployed at the base of midfield, but Mikel Arteta has until now had other plans. Due to his regular role on the right of a midfield three, Rice has contributed to 17 goals in 49 appearances, with even Arteta shocked by his goal and assist tally.

“Yes (I’m surprised),” he said after the victory against Bournemouth, where Rice had another goal and an assist. “We thought it would have a lot to do with the spaces he was going to occupy on the pitch. But it’s another thing to do it in this league. He did it. Thanks to him.

“Even when we changed him from position to position, it’s not easy to adapt to that, so I think he deserves a lot of credit for that.” While also playing a key role in the attacking third, Rice has also been needed to mop up opposition attacks, as could happen this Sunday against Manchester United.

The Gunners go into the clash as clear favorites amid their tense Premier League title battle against Manchester City. The midfield battle is expected to be key at Old Trafford with injury-plagued United often leaving huge spaces in the middle of the park which Rice will no doubt look to exploit.

Ahead of the clash, Rice took to social media to send a sweet message to his cousin Finley Munroe following his senior debut for Aston Villa against Olympiacos. On her Instagram Story, Rice wrote, “Amazing! So proud of you because! The first of many I’m sure! Keep striving for more (red heart emoji).”

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Rice, barring a late injury, is expected to start in midfield alongside Martin Odegaard, but Arteta faces a key decision. Thomas Partey has been deployed in this role recently, but Jorginho, who has just signed a new contract, could instead be the pivot chosen by Arteta.