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Home > Blog Post > Kalvin Philips: The Solution to United’s Midfield Woes | Man United Working on a Deal to Sign Phillips in the Summer.

Kalvin Philips: The Solution to United’s Midfield Woes | Man United Working on a Deal to Sign Phillips in the Summer.

Kalvin Phillips, Manchester United

According to the latest reports, Manchester United are working on a deal to sign Leeds United’s star midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The Red Devils have had a long-term interest in the 2021 England Men’s Player of the year and have zeroed in on the midfielder as their primary summer target.

Leeds United have struggled for form in the Premier League this season and it has brought doubts on Phillips’ future at the club. As a result, the Whites have placed a price tag of £50m-£60m for the defensive midfielder. Manchester United have made a transfer shortlist of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Kalvin Phillips to replace the outgoing Nemanja Matic.

Currently, Phillips plays as a specialist defensive midfielder in the England setup as compared to the other two. He would certainly be a much cheaper alternative for the midfield pivot role as compared to Rice. West Ham have asked in excess of £100m for the defensive midfielder while Borussia Dortmund’s star player Jude Bellingham could cost around the same price range.

In the 2020-21 season, Kalvin Phillips put in some significant performances and was a major part of England’s run to the final in the Euros. The 2021-22 season started terribly with a number of injuries sidelining him out for a few months. The Leeds team struggled to make an impact in their second season in the top flight. However, after Phillips’ return from injury, Leeds United have mounted a comeback and survived the relegation battle.

Kalvin Phillips, Manchester United
Image Obtained Via: The Sun

How Will Kalvin Phillips Bolster The Manchester United Midfield?

Defensive Analysis

Marcelo Bielsa, during his managerial stint with Leeds, used him as a central defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 formation, playing a shift as a pivot for the centre-backs. He protects the backline and is sometimes given the task of man-marking the opponents’ key players. Subsequently, his work rate and physicality allows him to play the full game with the same intensity and cover maximum area on the pitch.

During offensive duty or counter-attacks, he joins the backline and helps the centre-backs to move wider. He is not much of a progressive midfielder but can shift the ball to the wings with his long-range passes. This positioning would be ideal for United’s midfield with the team lacking a shield for their defence.

McTominay and Fred are forced to play the role of one player, sarcastically being termed as “McFred”. United have left a huge hole in front of the defence which has cost them multiple goals this season. In addition, the opposition strikers exploit the gaps to make free runs into the box.

Offensive Analysis

In the secondary ball-progression phase, Kalvin Phillips retains the flow of build-up with smart passes. Subsequently, he makes triangles and diamonds with the box-to-box and central midfielders, something which Bruno Fernandes and Fred would eagerly want in their side. The long diagonal balls to Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw/Alex Telles are what United are missing.

Moreover, his aerial ability and winning the second ball impulses during opposition counter-attacks is a strong skill. As per the analysis done by Breaking The Lines, the Leeds midfielder attempts 16.6 long balls per 90 with over 70% accuracy. This accuracy can go upwards of almost 93.1% in certain games. Leeds have always been a possession-based team with an intensive pressing. Interim United manager Ralf Rangnick failed to implement this same philosophy within the United squad.

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Verdict

Kalvin Phillips has a contract at Leeds until 2024. He was amongst Bielsa’s favourite players. Gareth Southgate’s England national squad depend on his high energy pressing and physicality. The defensive midfielder is wanted by Aston Villa in the summer, so United have a job on their hands to get the signing done as soon as possible. United fans would certainly like to see star signings like Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham or Aurelien Tchouameni. However, all those options are pricey or being chased by other big European clubs.

Therefore, with Champions League football unlikely for Ten Hag’s side next season, Kalvin Phillips seems to be an easier alternative. Fans are definitely going to be worried by the rivalry aspect between Manchester United and Leeds United. Ten Hag will certainly be looking at other targets like Antony, Kane, Eriksen etc. Hence, this one could be the quick signing that solves a significant problem.

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