Sources: Man Utd in pole position to sign £150m "explosion", he's the next Paul Ince - opinion

Manchester United will have a clear run at signing West Ham United star Declan Rice in this summer’s transfer window and as a result, are in pole position to acquire his signature.

That is according to a report from ESPN, who claim that sources have expressed Manchester United’s eagerness in wanting Rice to become a modern-day version of Paul Ince, with the Red Devils expecting the 23-year-old to add “tenacity, determination and leadership to a midfield desperately lacking in depth and quality.”

Rice is seen as a player who possesses the qualities required to thrive in an Erik ten Hag team, and with West Ham expected to hold out for a transfer fee in excess of £100m, United reportedly feel as though a window of opportunity has been prised open due to a lack of competition from rivals this summer.

Just like how Ince left West Ham United to help Sir Alex Ferguson rekindle the regime at Man United, Rice has the exact opportunity to follow in his footsteps, but this time under Ten Hag.

Described as a “revelation” and as a player who offers an “explosion” by boss David Moyes, Rice has everything it takes to shine at Manchester United.

The No.41 wearing midfielder’s match average of 53.25 passes per 90 bodes well, though it’s his 90% pass accuracy that makes him a composed and reliable asset in the centre of the pitch.

With a match average of 6.48 passes into the final third, he poses threat even if his game is more defensive. But it’s his total carrying distance of 352.61 yards that would make him an unbelievable asset for Ten Hag.

His presence would certainly be felt at United. He is the sort of character that is capable of leading the side, and more importantly, he is the type of player that the new head coach could build a