According to the latest reports from the Guardian, Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips is on the radar of Manchester United. The Yorkshire midfielder recently went on to sign a new contract with his club, but it seems like the Red Devils are still interested in him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side have had an indifferent start to the season so far. The Red Devils invested heavily in defence as they broke the bank to bring in Harry Maguire. However, the jury is still out on whether he has really helped them tighten at the back or not.
Phillips as a defensive midfielder can bring in more protection to United’s backline. The Whites’ midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa in the summer, but the Birmingham outfit were unwilling to match the valuation of £30m.
With the new contract being signed by Phillips, it remains to be seen how much Leeds will want for him. A move to Manchester United will undoubtedly dismay the fans as the Yorkshire side is seen as traditional rivals to the Mancunians and Phillips is a local lad who has come up from Elland Road’s academy.
What can Phillips add to United’s team?
The 23-year-old midfielder has been dubbed as the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ due to his passing range and calmness in possession. Given the way United tend to dominate most of their game in the Championship, Phillips almost acts as a deep-lying playmaker. He is calm and comfortable with the ball at his feet, and he often produces a matured performance in the middle.
However, he can also do the nitty-gritty job of a defensive midfielder quite well. He is a nagging presence in the midfield, and he reads the dangers well before they could develop. The Premier League will definitely be a step up for him, but there is enough evidence to support the hypothesis that he can thrive in the English top flight.
Should United go for him?
The Red Devils lost Ander Herrera in the summer, and the likes of Nemanja Matic and Fred have been dismal with their performances in the middle. Therefore Ole can do with a new midfielder who will bring a lot more stability and dynamism in the middle. United should look to go after Phillips.
However, we think it is unlikely that Leeds United will part ways with him in January with their promotion on the line. If Bielsa’s men are unable to get to the English top-flight by next summer, then there is every chance that a player of Phillips’ quality would leave Elland Road.
