Man United handed free run at signing Premier League star

Manchester United fans waved goodbye to manager Ralf Rangnick on Monday evening, as the German took charge of his final home game before handing over the reins to Erik ten Hag. 

Rangnick oversaw a 3-0 victory against Brentford in his final outing at Old Trafford, while midfield duo Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic also bowed out at the ‘theatre of dreams’.

The pair are both expected to leave the club when their contracts expire this summer, and both received standing ovations from the home crowd.

Rangnick’s time in Manchester has been far from inspiring, with the 52-year-old having won just 10 of his 27 games in charge across all competitions.

The Red Devils appear to be cruising into a Europa League qualification place, having fallen behind in the race for a top four spot.

Erik ten Hag will be the man tasked with improving an underperforming squad, but there may be good news on the horizon for the incoming Dutchman as it appears he will be given a free run at securing one of his top targets.

Rice looks increasingly likely to leave West Ham this summer

As per ESPN, United’s chances of signing Declan Rice have increased as a number of the player’s other potential suitors have decided to focus on other targets.

The Manchester side have been heavily linked with the Englishman as they look to sign a midfielder, with Jesse Lingard, Mata, Matic and Paul Pogba all set to leave the club.

Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders, and has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.

But, it appears that United will have a clear path to signing the player, as the Blues and the Citizens have decided to prioritise other targets.

The report claims that Chelsea will instead prioritise replacing defensive duo Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, both of whom are expected to leave the club this summer.

City, meanwhile, are focussing on a striker and a left-back, with Erling Braut Haaland likely to arrive to bolster their front line options.

That means that United may emerge as the most likely contenders for Rice’s signature, however the report does also consider that the 23-year-old may not be inclined to join a club in the state that United finds itself.

Hammers boss David Moyes recently insisted that the club are intent on keeping hold of their prized asset, but the Scot also triggered further speculation surrounding the player’s future by comparing the situation to that of Wayne Rooney, who left Everton in 2004 to join United.