West Ham’s dip in form good news for Manchester United

West Ham earned a vital win over London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday, marking back-to-back league victories for the first time since early November. 

David Moyes’ side have been the surprise package of the season so far in the Premier League, but have suffered a slight dip in form of late.

After winning seven of their first 11 matches, the Hammers won just once between the end of November and Christmas, but returned to winning ways against Watford and followed that up with victory over the Eagles in their first game of 2022.

The victories could be even more valuable than first thought for Moyes, as his side’s dip in form had reportedly increased Manchester United’s chances of landing Declan Rice, as per The Sun.

The England midfielder has been one of the league’s standout performers so far this term, and his performances have seen him linked with a host of top clubs including Chelsea and Manchester City.

The victory over Crystal Palace was Rice’s 150th Premier League appearance

The Red Devils were reportedly aware that they wold need to spend at least £100 million to prise Rice away from East London, however the Hammers early season form had United worried that they could secure Champions League football and persuade the midfielder to stay.

West Ham qualified for this season’s Europa League and Rice starred as they breezed through their group and into the knockout stages, however the player is believed to have his sights set on Champions League football.

That is something that United were hoping to use to tempt the player away from West Ham however, with the London side currently in fifth, two places ahead of United, Ralf Rangnick’s side will be wary that the offer of Europe’s premier club competition may no longer be as tempting.

United are also aware of interest from City and Chelsea, with the latter being Rice’s boyhood club and the team with which he started his academy career.

Rice has made 169 appearances since breaking into the Hammers’ first team, and was one of England’s standout performers on their run to the Euro 2020 final over the summer.