The Red Devils are expected to undergo a significant transformation this summer. The appointment of a new manager remains at the top of the club's priority list, although the club's player group is set to undergo significant changes.

The likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata are all expected to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season, paving the way for at least one new midfielder to join the club, and Neville believes Phillips would be the ideal candidate to fill that position in the squad.

"He runs, he tackles, he passes, he can defend, honestly, he's brilliant," Neville said of the Leeds United and England star while speaking to Sky Sports, according to the MEN.

It is not only that there has been a long-standing rivalry between the two clubs, but Phillips has also stayed strongly devoted to the team with whom he has spent his whole professional career.

Phillips, who spoke to Leeds United's official website three years ago, demonstrated his intimate connection with the Whites' fanbase when he said: "It is incredible." I'm from Leeds, and I've always been aware of how crowds behave. It's an honor for me to wear the White shirt and play in front of them each week. There are few fans that visit both domestically and internationally. The away numbers are tremendous, and all we want to do is reward them by returning to the Premier League."

It's difficult to envision the number 23 switching from all-white to red, but it wouldn't be the first time an Elland Road favourite has made the switch to Old Trafford, with Eric Cantona and Rio Ferdinand both risked the fans' wrath in the past.

Regardless of whether United are able to strike an agreement with their opponents, one thing is certain: after establishing himself as one of the league's most successful defensive midfielders and likely to cost less than Declan Rice, the Red Devils could do a lot worse than Phillips.