Manchester United might try and step up their interest for Kalvin Phillips now that Leeds United have sacked Marcelo Bielsa, as per reports.
Leeds have been in really poor form this season and in their past three matches, they have conceded fourteen goals. The Elland Road outfit are sitting just two points above the relegation zone which is why Bielsa had to be shown the door with immediate effect.
Bielsa was one of the main reasons why Kalvin Phillips matured as a player at the club but now that the 66-year-old has left, the England international could look to leave in the summer.
After Bielsa’s sacking Phillips posted to Twitter: “Thank you Marcelo for everything you have done for me.
“You saw in me what I didn’t even see in myself. You helped me grow as a player but most importantly as a person.
“Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. Gracias Marcelo. Vamos Leeds Carajo!!”
Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that all three of Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford & Liam Cooper will not be returning from injury in early Marsh as previously expected.
Huge blow for Leeds! pic.twitter.com/xEireffRyQ
— Oddschanger (@Oddschanger) February 25, 2022
Is Kalvin Phillips set to be an alternative for Declan Rice?
It’s an open secret that Manchester United are going to sign a defensive midfielder in the summer and that they are currently chasing West Ham United’s Declan Rice.
But now with Bielsa gone, United could very well shift his focus to Kalvin Phillips – a player who is in the same bracket but at the same time will cost a lot less.
While the Old Trafford outfit would love to bring Declan Rice on board but several other top clubs are also keeping tabs on him and at the moment United does not seem to be his most preferred destination.
Also, as per the latest reports, West Ham have just bumped up their asking price for Rice meaning clubs might have to shell out as much as £120 million for him.
If this is true then it would make perfect sense for Manchester United to shift their focus to someone like Kalvin Phillips.
Can Kalvin Phillips succeed at Man United?
Phillips has shone for both Leeds United as well as the England national team in the European Championship and his injury absence has been one of the primary reasons why Leeds have seen such a slump in form recently.
Leeds' record when Kalvin Phillips is playing:
• 19 wins, 11 draws, 11 losses
• 65 goals scored, 42 goals againstLeeds' record when he isn't playing:
• 4 wins, 2 draws, 14 losses
• 25 goals scored, 58 goals againstWhat a player. Leeds are screwed without him… 😬 pic.twitter.com/qluIKbeqwZ
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) February 23, 2022
Right now United are using Fred and McTominay in a midfield double pivot and any day Kalvin Phillips will be a much better upgrade than these two. Phillips can do the job that Fred and McTominay are doing together and this will help the manager add another attacking-minded midfielder into the starting lineup.
Rangnick is going to go all out to sign a new defensive midfielder at the end of this season and should he fail to sign Declan Rice then the German will undoubtedly shift his focus to the Leeds midfielder who is currently valued at £36 million and has two more years left on his current deal.