Declan Rice doesn't care about any speculation, asserts Manuel Pellegrini

Declan Rice’s performances last season saw the 20-year-old not only earn a call up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad but also establish himself as a promising youth prospect. The 20-year-old seamlessly transitioned from a defender into a defensive midfielder, with his performances key for the Hammers last season. He’s continued in that same vein of form this season, playing every single game for the club so far, although the club’s form has been far from perfect.

They’ve managed to win just two games, draw two more, and lose their opening game of the season to Manchester City. However, despite all that, Rice has been one of the few players to make a genuine impact for the Hammers and that has re-ignited the transfer rumours. Yet despite all that and all the interest in his young midfielder, in an interview, Manuel Pellegrini has said that Rice doesn’t care about any rumours regarding his future.

"It is important that he continues with what he is doing so far, he always listens, improves when he makes mistakes. When it was put to him Rice was worth £80-90m in the current market. His value will depend on what happens this season but his mind is not thinking about that."

The last time the two sides faced each at the Olympic Stadium, the Hammers walked out as shock 3-1 winners over the Red Devils, with Felipe Anderson netting his first goal for the club and created problems for then-manager Jose Mourinho. Things may have changed now for Manchester United and Pellegrini hopes that his side can do it once again.

"We beat them 3-1 here and I hope we can get a win again, they played last night but they changed nine players so it will be a different team. We are in a good moment so, if we are playing against the big teams, we must show we can play in the same way. We now have a good test against Manchester United and we will try to beat them," concluded the Chilean.