Manchester United might need to smash transfer record to sign their perfect midfielder

Manchester United were the first side to be dumped out of the FA Cup fourth round after their penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough on Friday night. They would have been hoping for a bigger shock on Saturday to take the headlines away from them.

It nearly happened as Plymouth missed an agonising late penalty to send their tie with Chelsea to a penalty shootout, while West Ham twice teased Kidderminster Harriers with an almighty upset before two dramatic late strikes saved them any blushes.

Unlike at Old Trafford, there was late drama in favour of the Premier League sides. Unlike at United, big players took their chances in big moments to deal decisive blows.

There was perhaps no greater impact than that of United target Declan Rice, who came off the bench for West Ham at Aggborough to control proceedings and provide West Ham with a foothold in the tie.

It was the England international who danced through the Kiddy defence deep into added time and remained cool under pressure before smashing a ferocious shot into the non-league net.

Rice, 23, won't get much credit for that goal given the opposition, but no matter who you are playing, it is still a clutch moment at a time of need for his team.

Such pressure is something the boyhood Chelsea fan has long been used to. At such a young age, he is already vice-captain for West Ham, often leading the side on the pitch when veteran midfielder Mark Noble isn't in the starting line-up and he played in every match for England last summer during the European Championship.

United are prioritising a new central midfielder at the end of the season and it is clear to see why Rice is so high up on their list of targets.

There are a couple of issues, though. Most notably price.

David