In a recent report, The Daily Star stated that Manchester United are eyeing a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. It is understood that the Red Devils have decided to abandon their pursuit of West Ham United’s Declan Rice and will now focus on securing the signature of the Whites midfield ace.
Phillips’ Excellent Rise At Elland Road
Phillips enjoyed a decent run of form with the Yorkshire giants last season when he caught the eye for producing a string of dominant displays at the heart of Marcelo Bielsa’s midfield. The England international participated in 31 matches for the Whites in the previous campaign, netting one goal and securing three assists across all fronts.
The 25-year-old was a consistent performer as a key member of Leeds’ midfield department as he averaged 2.6 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.7 clearances, 0.5 shots, 1.2 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in the Premier League last season. He was even tidy when distributing the ball in the final third after completing 84.7% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
The Leeds-born talent’s current contract with his boyhood club runs out in 2024. Hence, Man United will have to make a sizable offer to stand a chance of bringing him to the Theatre of Dreams in January or at the end of this season.
What Will Phillips Bring To Old Trafford?
Phillips loves a tackle in midfield and usually times his challenges well to win possession back for his team. He doesn’t take too many risks when clearing his lines at the back and has also got the ability to create some inviting openings for others around him. The Three Lions star can even make some energetic runs with the ball from midfield but needs to be more productive in the final third if he wants to establish himself amongst the elite midfielders in Premier League football.
Signing for Man United would be a good step in the Leeds United star’s career as he will have a realistic chance of competing for some major silverware in the coming seasons. He is undeniably good enough to compete with Fred and Scott McTominay for a regular starting spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s midfield over the next few years.
At 25, Phillips is about to enter his prime, so Man United can expect to make the most out of his services if they can get him on board in the not-too-distant future. Plus, the English sensation is primarily a central midfielder but can also fill in as a centre-back if needed. We can expect Phillips to bring a lot of bite and steel to Solskjaer’s midfield and could go on to become a real favourite amongst the Man United supporters in the long run.
