MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to add a midfielder to their squad in January.
For several seasons, Manchester United's midfield has been the source of their problems. With Paul Pogba's future uncertain and Donny van de Beek on the verge of leaving due to a lack of playing time, interim manager Ralf Rangnick may see the January transfer window as the ideal time to enhance Scott McTominay and Fred.
The Red Devils were linked with Yves Bissouma of Brighton, Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid, and Aurelien Tchouameni of Monaco over the summer, but no deals were struck.
The arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, and Raphael Varane hid the problem for then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for a while, but it wasn't long before it became clear that United still lacked midfield potency.
Rangnick must prioritize a purchase in the center of the park if the Old Trafford club wants to reclaim its glory days and cut the gap on rivals Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea in the long-term.
The Sun claimed earlier this month that Leeds' Kalvin Phillips was a target for United, but many attributed the failure to strike an agreement to the two clubs' animosity.
Rangnick will need to make recruiting a midfielder a top priority (Image)
Former Premier League forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, on the other hand, feels that if given the chance, the Englishman will follow in the footsteps of Eric Cantona's move from Leeds to Manchester United.
"Phillips will go whatever is good for him and where is good for his career," the ex-Aston Villa player told Football Insider.
"Those feuds are ridiculous." I understand that Leeds and Manchester United have a history together, but it's not like Leeds and Bradford or Aston Villa and Birmingham City.
"It's not enough to keep him from playing in the Champions League and for a major club like Manchester United."
Previously, United spent a lot of money on Paul Pogba. (Photo courtesy of Express Sport)
"If an offer is made, I'm certain he'll still make that move." I don't believe that a rivalry should deter a player from making a move. It was done by Eric Cantona, therefore I don't believe it will prevent a player from transferring."
Phillips' value skyrocketed this summer when he shone for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions at Euro 2020, not only defending the backline but also pushing forward to try and influence the attack.
At the tournament, the 25-year-old played alongside West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who Rangnick will have to veto if he wants to bring Phillips to the Theatre of Dreams.
Rice was United's top target in September, according to the Manchester Evening News, and the club was already working on a deal to entice the 22-year-old away from the London club.
Phillips would join United, . (Images)
However, considering the amounts involved, signing both members of the England midfield pair looks doubtful as Hammers boss David Moyes said that Rice would cost significantly more than the £100 million he was available for in the summer.
Rice's price is likely to rise even more if West Ham competes with United for a place in the Europa League/Champions League.
Rangnick will be hoping that Agbonlahor is correct in his assessment of Phillips' condition and that he is able to prioritize that signing over breaking the bank for Rice if he wants to prepare United for a title push under his successor.
If Pogba eventually decides on his future at United, if he makes it clear that he has no intention of playing at Old Trafford next season, it would be far from surprising to see the Frenchman moved in January to fund a new signing.
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