Declan Rice tipped to make Man Utd transfer decision based on Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is the only Manchester United player who would entice Declan Rice to leave West Ham United for Old Trafford.

That is the alarming verdict of former Red Devils defender Paul Parker, who labelled Rice, 22, the "best midfield player in the Premier League " but questioned why he would join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side.

The England international has played every minute of West Ham's remarkable top-flight campaign so far, helping the Irons go third in the table.

Rice produced yet another dominant midfield performance on Sunday as David Moyes masterminded a stunning 3-2 victory over Liverpool.

He has also stepped up his attacking contributions this season and his endeavour to get forward has produced three goals and three assists in all competitions.

Is Declan Rice better off staying put rather than joining Manchester United? Have your say in the comments...

In contrast to West Ham, North-West giants United have endured a poor start to the season which leaves them sixth in the table, and they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by the Hammers in September.

Central midfield has been the greatest of many issues facing manager Solskjaer, and Rice has been tipped as the player to solve the lack of balance and solidity in this area.

But Parker admits there is little to attract the former Chelsea academy star to Old Trafford other than the opportunity to play alongside Fernandes.

"We can't label him with a position because he plays like a central midfield player from the past as he's always happy to run from box to box and he's happy to play every single game," the ex-England right-back told BonusCodeBets of Rice.

" Manchester United should go for him, but they have to get the right players around him and at this moment in time, West Ham United have a better midfield than Manchester United.

"Why would he leave something that's working really well to go and jump into something that isn't right?

Give your verdict on Manchester United's season so far below...

"If I'm Declan Rice, I'd turn around and ask who they're going to sign to play with me because he'd look at Fernandes and say, 'Yeah, who else?'"

Portugal playmaker Fernandes is one of the few Red Devils players who can hold his head high for his performances this season, with four goals and eight assists to his name.

The likes of Scott McTominay, Fred and Paul Pogba have failed to impress in central areas, prompting Solskjaer to switch to a three-at-the-back formation for recent fixtures.