What Kalvin Phillips has said in the past on potential Man United move

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

A report from The Sun, which emerged in the aftermath of Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, revealed that Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips was top of Erik ten Hag’s wishlist.

United were pipped originally to the signing of Phillips as Pep Guardiola’s City managed to swoop in and get a deal over the line for the former Leeds United midfielder, according to The Athletic.

However, since Phillips decided to move to the Etihad Stadium, it has not worked out for the Englishman with Guardiola not a big fan of his with Rodri’s continued availability in the City team.

Phillips on Man United

The Englishman came through the Leeds United academy, however, so a move to the Yorkshire side’s biggest rivals would certainly not go down well at Elland Road.

Phillips has spoken openly about United’s previous interest in his signature before he decided to join City.

“Going to United? No, there was never any chance of me going there,” Phillips said to The Mirror last summer.

“You know my loyalty to Leeds. My family as well – they’re all Leeds fans. I was honoured that United wanted me, such a big team and one of the biggest teams in the world.

“But no, I had to stay loyal to Leeds and choose to go to the other side of Manchester. It’s just the way I am, the way I think and the way I’ll always be. I want to be loyal to the people who’ve given me the biggest opportunity in the world. Leeds were the first team to sign me, I made sure that was one of the main things I’d do.”

Phillips at United

Despite the lack of football for the Englishman, Phillips is still a superb midfielder who would still be getting games with Gareth Southgate and England, had he played more at the Etihad Stadium.

The Englishman was vital during England’s run to the European Championship final in 2021 and it seems just a matter of time before he explodes back onto the scene.

The lack of football may be an issue but Ten Hag is seemingly a big fan of his. Despite the midfielder admitting he couldn’t join the Red Devils, you wonder if the chance was put to him again next summer, whether he would change his mind.

Getting one over Guardiola at City’s biggest rivals would also be a consideration. This signing may have more legs than is being reported.