Manchester City’s new midfielder Kalvin Philips has revealed how and why he rejected a move to Manchester United this summer. The Englishman stated that his love for his former club, Leeds United, was why he didn’t go to Old Trafford.
Kalvin Philips who had an impressive 2021/22 season with Leeds United attracted a lot of big clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City. However, he decided to switch to Etihad Stadium on a £45M deal because of the enmity between Man United and Leeds United.
Speaking during an interview with some journalists, Kalvin Philips was asked about the interest from Man United and he said: ‘Going to United? There was never any chance of me going there. You know my loyalty to Leeds. My family are all Leeds fans.”
The defensive midfielder added that he was honored by the interest from Manchester United because they’re one of the biggest clubs in the world but his loyalty to Leeds United was more than that which was why he went to Manchester City instead.
According to him, he wants to be loyal to the people who have given him the biggest opportunity in the world.
Kalvin Philips is already becoming a fan favorite at Man City and he will be expected to partner with Rodri in the center midfield area. It has been more than one week since the England international joined Man City and he’s fitting well into Pep Guardiola’s team as well as enjoying his new teammates.
Kalvin Phillips on why he chose City over United 👀#mufc pic.twitter.com/2iENpm5UmJ
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) July 21, 2022
Kalvin Philips already has a connection with his fellow England teammates Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, and John Stones – which is helping him to blend into the new team. The 24-year-old is also aware that he won’t get enough playing time with Man City which is not going to be easy, especially in a World Cup year.
However, he revealed that he has discussed all of this with England head coach Gareth Southgate. According to Kalvin Philips, it’s a risky move but he wants to come and prove himself against the best players in the world.
The former Leeds United star player is the fourth signing Man City has made this summer and they are likely to land Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.
The departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal this summer has intensified their pursuit for Marc Cucurella. However, both teams are yet to reach an agreement as Brighton expects Man City to increase their bid. But it’s rumored that Man City might switch their attention to another player because they believe that Brighton’s value for the player is too much.
