Ten Hag’s Rice fury
Ten Hag furious with progress over takeover
A report in The Sun that claims Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is furious with the club’s slow takeover progress hindering their chances of signing West Ham United captain Declan Rice.
The England international will be allowed to depart the Europa Conference League champions for the right price this summer before he enters the final year of his contract at the London Stadium.
United have long been linked with a move for Rice but were told in previous windows the 24-year-old was not for sale under any circumstances.
However, with Rice able to leave on a free transfer in 2024 and pining for Champions League football the Hammers will relent if their valuation is met.
However the Old Trafford club’s interest is yet to be formalised, and both Arsenal and Manchester City are thought to be ahead of Ten Hag’s side in the race for Rice.
Man United’s transfer plans are currently uncertain due to the club’s ownership situation, as Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe battle for control of the club following the Glazers’ controversial 18-year tenure.
Sheikh Jassim – who is seeking a full takeover of the club compared to Ratcliffe’s majority stake – is thought to be the preferred candidate, but the Red Devils are restricted in the market while the process continues.
With Man United’s rivals making headway in talks with Rice and West Ham, The Sun claims that Ten Hag is positively “seething” about the situation, having identified the Englishman as the perfect addition to his midfield.
The report adds that Ten Hag has been “desperate” for his side to make an official bid, but the Dutchman is powerless to advance Man United’s interest until the takeover saga comes to a close.
