Manchester United can benefit from West Ham 'mistake' amid Declan Rice transfer message

Manchester United can benefit from West Ham 'giving up' on the top-four race this season.

That is the claim from Premier League footballer turned talkSPORT pundit, Gabby Agbonlahor, who also thinks Declan Rice will move on next summer.

Before the international break, United moved into pole position for Champions League qualification with a late win over the Hammers - with Marcus Rashford settling the scores.

It was followed up 24 hours later by Arsenal and Tottenham dropping points.

With only four points separating those sides - and surprise package Wolves - there is still plenty to play for, but the lack of ambition shown by West Ham during the January transfer window has alarmed Agbonlahor.

Speaking to radio station talkSPORT, he said: "For me, the ambition of the club has been there to see in the transfer window. I was saying to West Ham fans in November that they need players in. They need a top-class striker.

"West Ham, for me, have basically given up on the top-four. It was the perfect chance for them to get it.

"Spurs aren't the finished article, Arsenal have lost players, they're looking a bit shaky. Manchester United have let players go and looking a bit shaky as well. It was the perfect time for West Ham to finally push on a little more with a few more players and get top-four."

Agbonhalor added: "As much as people might think players are loyal and love it here. Declan Rice, like I said a few months ago, will see his England teammates playing in the Champions League.

"How long is that going to go on where he's going to be happy with the Europa League? I think Declan Rice will be looking to go in the summer."