Manchester United are going to be looking for a defensive midfielder in the summer after failing to sign a world-class number six in the previous two windows. Some fans have even attributed the majority of the team's issues this season to the lack of a midfield signing as it has impacted the team both in and out of possession.
Declan Rice has been on United's list of potential targets for many years now. However, in a recent interview, David Moyes suggested that the English midfielder could cost in excess of £150m. It seems West Ham United have no plans to sell.
This means that United will need to look elsewhere and if they want to sign a player with Premier League experience then they could do a lot worse than to look at Leeds' Kalvin Phillips or Wolves' Ruben Neves.
READ MORE: Ruben Neves wanted by Arsenal and Barcelona amid Manchester United transfer links
The Manchester Evening News understands United are considering making a move for Phillips, though Leeds retaining their status as a Premier League club is likely to have a huge impact on such a deal. Neves has also been linked, however, United have not made contact with Wolves and they may face competition from Arsenal and Barcelona.
But who is the better choice for United? And, more importantly, who will be the better option if the club are successful in appointing Erik ten Hag as the next manager?
Phillips is the much better defensive option. The Independent recently reported that Ten Hag had claimed during his interview that United needed to build a team that had a high level of fitness in order to implement an effective pressing game and compete with the Champions League's best teams.
Phillips would fit this remit. In Marcelo Bielsa's man-marking system, he was tasked with constantly moving across the pitch to put out fires and he's shown he has the discipline to be able to play in a Ten Hag system. Phillips, however, is not the best in possession. His passing ability is limited and this is where Neves looks the better option.
In some ways, Neves would be the perfect Paul Pogba replacement as he is much better suited to the role the Frenchman plays. Though not as good on the ball, he still has a wide and varied range of passing which would help United in possession.
While he's not as solid as Phillips defensively, his numbers are still reasonable. Overall, United need more technically sound players to play Ten Hag's style of football and, unlike fitness, a player's ability to pass and create can be improved immensely.
Personally, I would prefer it if United looked further afield as they bid to solve their midfield issues. Boubacar Kamara would be one such option available for free in the summer. United have a big rebuild on their hands so they cannot afford to be spending £50m-£60m on every player who arrives at Old Trafford this summer.
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