Incoming boss Erik Ten Hag will look to bring in Harry Kane and Declan Rice this summer as his first actions at Old Trafford, it has been claimed.
Manchester United are on the verge of naming Ten Hag as their new manager, according to widespread reports.
The Red Devils have been set on appointing a new manager at the end of the season, and it seems as though the Ajax man has risen to the top of their list following recent interviews, while he also has the blessing of current interim boss and soon to be club consultant Ralf Rangnick.
Manchester United closing in on appointment of Erik Ten Hag as their new manager. Deal not agreed yet but things now moving fast. more on @TeleFootball
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) April 6, 2022
And, while reports swirl about the potential of Jurrien Timber or Antony following their manager to Old Trafford from Amsterdam, the Telegraph report that moves for Kane and Rice will be prioritised.
Kane and Rice the answer?
As per the report, ‘United are prioritising the recruitment of a striker and two accomplished, high-energy midfielders this summer’.
This would solve some squad issues, with Manchester United’s midfield having underperformed for the best part of the last decade, while at present their options to lead the line next season will be out of favour pair Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford or a 37 year old Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be expected to play twice a week at 37 years old (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images).
However, there is recognition that the deals could be hard to do, with both players likely to cost over £100 million each due to their value to their respective clubs.
‘Harry Kane, Tottenham and England striker, and his international team-mate, Declan Rice, the West Ham defensive midfielder, are among the most ambitious and costly targets on United’s radar and there is an acceptance at the club that either deal could be very difficult to do’, the Telegraph claim.
Doing both deals seems very unlikely, but would seriously improve Manchester United’s side should they be pulled off. It is promising that for once, the club hierarchy seemingly have a plan for their summer business, however.
