Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had a good transfer window for many when they signed Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane before the start of the new Premier League season.
The Red Devils pulled out a major surprise towards the end of the window by re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo, 12 years after he originally left the club.
Solskjaer also wanted a defensive midfielder but Manchester United could not find the right deal this summer.
Rice was on their shortlist in the recently concluded window and it has been claimed that he is their principal midfield target next summer.
West Ham’s asking price this year prohibited a deal but Manchester United are already working towards signing him next year.
Internal discussions have already taken place and Manchester United are already working on the framework of a potential deal for the 22-year-old midfielder.
Rice is open to the move and is said to have discussed the possibility of joining Manchester United with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
He has not pushed for a move away from West Ham yet but has rejected multiple offers of a new deal from the Hammers.
There are suggestions the player might angle for a transfer next summer if the big clubs come calling for him.
