Man Utd’s failed season means two midfield stars are out of reach

Manchester United have endured a torrid season and unless they win all three of their remaining Premier League games, they will have accumulated their lowest tally of points ever since the Premier League was established in 1992.

Ralf Rangnick has overseen a dramatic six months at the club and although there was confidence that a Champions League place was going to be sealed when he took over, his side has fallen way short.

The lack of Champions League revenue always takes its toll on United when they’re outside Europe’s fine dining table and according to reports, their failed season is already showing signs of repercussions.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the club values Declan Rice, the West Ham midfielder, and Jude Bellingham, the Borussia Dortmund star. United have had a longstanding interest in both players but as per the report, United’s failure to secure Champions League football has scuppered any deal for the pair.

Furthermore, West Ham’s obscene £150m valuation of Rice is said to be a stumbling block, whilst Borussia Dortmund will fight to keep Bellingham for another year.

Read more: (Video) Roy Keane suggests Cristiano Ronaldo would score 50 goals for Chelsea

In the article, Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is presented as an alternative but they are also looking to keep Phillips for another year, despite being resigned to him leaving eventually. Leeds value the midfielder at £60m, a figure they think is unlikely to be met this summer by any interested club.

United are said to be keeping a keen eye on Phillips and the 26-year-old is believed to be open to leaving the Elland Road club.

SN’s verdict…
Erik ten Hag hasn’t officially taken over at United yet but it’s likely that he will already have discussed summer transfer targets with the club’s recruitment department already. A midfielder is high on United’s list of priorities, with the club not signing a single central midfielder since Fred arrived in 2018.

Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba will both leave the club on free transfers, leaving the Brazilian and Scott McTominay as the club’s only senior midfielders. Phillips fits the bill but the tension between Leeds and Manchester United is going to be a stumbling block.

More Stories Declan Rice Erik ten Hag Jude Bellingham Manchester United Premier League