Man Utd’s U-turn on Declan Rice transfer ahead of West Ham clash

There once was a time when Manchester United were planning to go after Declan Rice with everything they’ve got. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a particularly big admirer of the midfielder, who has been a regular in the West Ham line up for several years now. However, ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with the Hammers, it appears the England international is no longer a priority target for the Red Devils.Manchester United will go up against Rice when they lock horns with West Ham on Saturday.And it will offer the England international a chance to show exactly what he’s all about, having long been linked with a move to Old Trafford.Had Solskjaer not been sacked, it’s possible Rice would actually be lining up in a United shirt – rather than a West Ham one.The Norwegian, after signing Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, thought Rice would be the perfect man to run the club’s midfield for the next decade.Solskjaer thought he’d be able to pursue the former Chelsea academy star in the summer of 2022, when United’s transfer budget would be free for use.Man Utd transfers: Plans for next three signings are damning on Solskjaer Manchester United previously had Declan Rice as a priority transfer target (Image: GETTY) Manchester United would have to break the bank to sign Declan Rice from West Ham (Image: GETTY) Manchester United were eyeing Declan Rice transfer when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was manager (Image: GETTY)Having missed out on Rabiot, United were able to strike gold by bringing in Casemiro from Real Madrid for a huge £70million.And with Casemiro now going from strength to strength, and Scott McTominay improving since Ten Hag’s appointment, Rice no longer seems to be a player in their sights.Speaking earlier this month, meanwhile, Paul Parker urged Rice to move to United if the opportunity arrives.’I would say now for Declan Rice that Manchester United could be an even better move for him with the way [Erik] ten Hag and his side are doing at the moment,’ he said.WIN A FREE ENGLAND SHIRT FOR THE WORLD CUP! Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag opted to sign Casemiro instead of Declan Rice (Image: GETTY)But United now have other players on their radar.They want a new right-back to provide competition for Diogo Dalot, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka expected to leave in January.And United know they’ll need a new striker next summer, regardless of whether or not Ronaldo extends his stay by a further year.United beat West Ham 1-0 in the same fixture last term, with Rashford netting the only goal of the game back in January. Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here