The new United manager has his feet under his desk at Carrington, having quit his job with Ajax six weeks early. The 52-year-old clearly has a massive job on his hands in rebuilding an under-performing squad.

He is not due to officially take charge of the club until next season. However, he might be in the stands for their final game at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

However, work is already well underway as he works on rebuilding his squad. Up to 12 players are expected to leave this summer, with the first of those, Nemanja Matic, seemingly nearing a move to a new club.

And with Paul Pogba also leaving on a free, strengthening midfield is clearly in Ten Hag’s thinking.

To that end, United are very much long-time admirers of Rice. However, prising him away from the Hammers looks an impossibly-tough task.

United, though, have been told not to waste their time trying to sign him. And according to Andy Townsend, he thinks Ten Hag should instead target Jarrod Bowen.

Since arriving from Hull in January 2020, Bowen has established himself as one of the Premier League’s elite forwards. Indeed, he has 18 goals and 11 assists this season; form which has stands him on the brink of an England call-up.

He earns an estimated £60,000 – £80,000 a week at West Ham. However, reports on Tuesday claim the Hammers are looking to extend his deal and raise his pay to a club-high £125,000 a week.

Man Utd urged to make their move
Townsend though thinks West Ham would lose him should Manchester United come calling.