Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand has definitively claimed that Kalvin Phillips will not be joining Manchester United, despite persistent links with a move to Old Trafford.
The Yorkshire Pirlo has been heavily linked with a move to the Red Devils, and it’s fair to say that such a transfer would be incredibly controversial.
To put it bluntly, Leeds despise Manchester United, and if the Leeds-born Phillips were to swap Elland Road for Old Trafford, it’s fair to say that he would go from being a fan favourite to a traitor very quickly.
One man who knows all about crossing that divide is Rio Ferdinand, and according to the pundit, Phillips will not make this move due to the impact it would have on the Leeds fanbase.
What’s been said?
Ferdinand stated that this transfer wouldn’t be happening.
“Kalvin Phillips doesn’t go to Manchester United, that’s the difference between me and him, he’s a Leeds boy. He can’t set foot back in Leeds, his family will have to move out if he goes from Leeds to Man United. Trust me, I had the head of Yorkshire Police ringing me when I left for Man United and he said don’t come back for another year. He’s a top player but he isn’t going to Man United, if Kalvin Phillips goes to Man United, brave man,” Ferdinand said.
Stranger things have happened
Ferdinand says that Phillips absolutely will not be going to United, but we wouldn’t be so sure.
Stranger things have happened in the transfer market. In fact, stranger things have happened between these two clubs – let’s not forget Alan Smith’s infamous move across the Pennines in 2004.
If Mo Johnston can swap Celtic for Rangers then Kalvin Phillips can swap Leeds for Manchester United.
It’s probably not the most likely transfer heading into the summer, but after so many rumours, this is a distinct possibility.
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