Rio Ferdinand made the best move of his career when he joined Manchester United 20 years ago. And even though there is an intense rivalry between the two old English clubs, Rio says it was completely different from Kalvin Phillips’s potential transfer to Old Trafford.Manchester United are facing a period of complete rehaul under the incoming coach Erik Ten Hag. One of the critical areas for the Dutchman will be ensuring a solid midfield – and that’s where the name of Phillips enters the story.Saturday, 18.45: (3.30) Chelsea (3.40) Liverpool (2.20)United have been repeatedly linked with Leeds’ star man as their search for a new defensive midfielder continues. But the legendary defender Ferdinand thinks there is little hope of signing Phillips. Rio doesn’t believe that a boy who had grown up and lived in Leeds all of his life would put on the red shirt.🚨🏴| Manchester United are working on a deal for Kalvin Phillips that is seperate to Frenkie de Jong.[Samuel Luckhurst] #MUFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/9p1D2AqXCa— UtdActive 🔴 (@UtdActive) May 13, 2022 It had been a big story back in the day when Ferdinand switched one United for the other in a $50 million deal, the highest fee paid for any defender at that point. But there is a difference between Ferdinand and Phillips – they are not both born and bred in Yorkshire. Ferdinand is from London.”I don’t think Kalvin Phillips is a name that should be associated with Manchester United. I just think he’s a Leeds boy. The rivalry between the fans is strong, and his family all lived in Leeds. It’s different to when I left and went to United, very different. I had no family in Leeds other than my cousin, and it wasn’t a problem for them. I don’t see Kalvin Phillips going to Manchester United. If he does, it would be the biggest surprise for me.”🗓 ON THIS DAY:In 2002, Manchester United signed @rioferdy5 from Leeds United for £30m..🏆 6x Premier League🏆 4x Community Shield🏆 2x League Cup🏆 1x Champions League🏆 1x Club World Cup• 12 Seasons • 455 GamesWhat a signing he turned out to be!🔴 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/1ICADQK9IG— Oddschanger (@Oddschanger) July 22, 2021 As well as Phillips, United have also been linked with his England midfield partner Declan Rice and Monaco ace Aurelien Tchouameni. While reports from Spanish journalist Gerard Romero claimed United had a strong chance of signing Barcelona midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong.
