Erik ten Hag was ‘in awe’ of Declan Rice against West Ham, with the England international’s performance enough to see him ‘rocket’ to the top of the Manchester United manager’s summer wishlist.
Arsenal are thought to be frontrunners in the race for Rice, who’s also been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, but The Sun claim the 24-year-old’s display at The London Stadium on Sunday was enough to convince everyone at United that they should do everything to land him this summer.
Ten Hag was ‘in awe’ of Rice’s display according to the report, in which a source revealed: ‘Rice is fast emerging as United’s number one summer target.
‘He completely ran the game and United’s coaching staff and scouts were all talking about him after the match.
‘There’s a growing belief that Rice is interested in leaving at the end of the season and United believe they simply have to ensure he heads north and not to Arsenal or Chelsea.
‘The club regard him as a player they could potentially build a team around.’
The source added: ‘Declan is good friends with Marcus and Luke Shaw from England.
‘Man Utd believe they can persuade Rice that his future lies with them in Manchester.
‘It would be a massive sign of intent and a great way for any new owners to show they are determined to try and match Manchester City in the years ahead.’
But Ally McCoist has warned Rice against United this summer, with the recent performances under Ten Hag setting “alarm bells ringing”.
He told talkSPORT: “I’d be really concerned if he’d be going to Manchester United at this moment, I’ve got to be honest.
“I think they’ve done really, really well. I’ve got to say and you’d have to say two cup finals and won the League Cup. If they could win the FA Cup which they’ll be second favourites to do and finish in the top four I think is a more than acceptable season. I think it’s a really good season.
“However, the last couple of games have just kind of set alarm bells ringing in my head looking at them. I think they’re probably farther away than I actually thought. So I’m not sure he’d be going there.
“Liverpool’s midfield crying out for Declan Rice, absolutely crying out.
“Chelsea have got an excellent midfield but I don’t know if they’re going to spend that much money.
“I would say wasted money spent the best part a half a billion pounds you’re finishing 12th and 13th that’s not great.
“I’ve got to be brutally honest here; if you’re an Arsenal fan, that’s the move of the season.”
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