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“Biggest surprise”- Man United legend warns rival PL ace against making Old Trafford switch

Rio Ferdinand "pleased" with Manchester United summer transfer window.
Rio Ferdinand "pleased" with Manchester United summer transfer window. (Copyright: Bradley Collyer)

Rio Ferdinand warns Kalvin Phillips against making Manchester United move

Speaking on his Vibe with Five Podcast on Youtube (h/t The Metro), Manchester United legend has warned Leeds United star, Kalvin Phillips, from moving to Old Trafford this summer.

The English international is a bonafide star for the Peacocks and is amongst the best players in his position in the Premier League. He has missed several games this season thanks to injuries and this has severely impacted the Elland Road outfit’s form.

At 26, Phillips is already an established name at the club and country level. With Leeds increasingly looking set to be relegated, the time is ripe for the midfielder to take the next step in his development.

With the Erik ten Hag era set to begin at Old Trafford, several players could be on the move either into the club or out of it. Ferdinand does not believe Phillips is someone who should not be seen as a summer transfer target.

“I don’t think Kalvin Phillips is a name that should be associated with Manchester United.”

Rather than question the 26-year-old’s quality, Ferdinand admits his reasoning is to do with Phillips being a Leeds man through and through. Given the rivalry between both clubs, the Man United legend’s words do make sense.

“I don’t think KalvI don’t see Kalvin Phillips going to Manchester United. If he does it will be the biggest surprise.”

West Ham join transfer race to sign Kalvin Phillips. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Kalvin Phillips is one of the Premier League’s best midfielders. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Ferdinand knows all about leaving Elland Road for Old Trafford having done so himself. The defender’s task was however made easier given that he had no family in Leeds to hold him back.

The same cannot be said of Phillips. The 26-year-old came through the ranks at Elland Road before striking it big with the Peacocks. While one cannot rule out anything happening in football, Phillips moving to the Theatre of Dreams does appear to be a far-fetched prospect.

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Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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