Bad news for Man United as number one summer target is set to stay put

Manchester United’s miserable season ended with defeat on Sunday, as Ralf Rangnick watched his side lose 1-0 to Crystal Palace in his final game in charge of the club. 

United’s slumped to their twelfth league defeat of the season at Selhurst Park, and incoming manager Erik ten Hag looks to have a serious challenge on his hands if he is going to get the Red Devils competing for silverware next season.

A number of high profile players will be out of contract and leave the club this summer, including Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani.

Other stars, such as Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, could reportedly be sold in an attempt to free up some funds for Ten Hag to spend.

The Dutchman will prioritise a centre-back, central midfielder and winger this summer, and one of his top targets has emerged as West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

United have already received bad news, though, as the Englishman will reportedly be staying put in London, according to The Daily Mirror.

The report claims that the England international, who is also a target for Chelsea, will remain a Hammers player next season, despite United’s serious interest.

Rice may now remain a West Ham player despite previously pushing for a move away

The midfielder has already rejected more than one contract offer from his current side, and was rumoured to be interested in a move away from the London Stadium.

It now appears that the player has made something of a u-turn on his future, and is now happy to remain in east London for at least one more season.

The report claims that Rice, 23, is no longer intent on leaving the club ahead of what already promises to be a busy season for him personally.

The midfielder is almost certain to be included in the England squad for the World Cup in November, and will also play a part in the Hammers’ Europa Conference League campaign, if he does stay put.

Rice, who is believed to be valued at more than £100 million by West Ham, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders and is a target for a number of clubs.