Manchester United are playing hot and cold so far in 2023-24, and their lack of consistency is often attributed to slim options in the midfield. The Red Devils are reportedly set on solving that issue in the summer transfer window with the acquisition of Manchester City’s midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Since arriving at Man City in a £42 million transfer from Leeds United in 2022, Phillips struggled to find consistent playing time with the reigning Premier League champions. The 28-year-old player played only eight games this season, and City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, hinted that his situation wasn’t going to change anytime soon.
Phillips is keen on leaving Etihad Stadium as soon as possible, hoping to get regular minutes in order to keep his place in England’s national team. The most likely outcome is that he departs on loan in January before being available on a permanent transfer in the summer.
Man Utd’s head coach, Erik Ten Hag, is believed to be a big fan of Phillips, seeing him as a perfect fit for his system. He also fits into the club’s new long-term strategy that includes a bigger focus on bringing in players from England.
If Phillips ends up at Old Trafford, it could be a highly controversial move. Not only would he make a switch between cross-town rivals, but he would likely lose his cult status with Leeds United supporters, considering their club’s bitter rivalry with Manchester United.
