‘Pay the money’ – Man Utd told to sign duo who offer ‘big upgrade’

Kevin Campbell has told Man Utd to sign Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips as they will be a “big upgrade” on Fred and Scott McTominay.

The England teammates have been consistently linked with Man Utd over the past year.

Rice and Phillips were praised as they partnered each other in midfield for England at last year’s European Championships.

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Phillips has missed large spells of this season through injury but Rice has shone for West Ham as he has been one of the standout players in the Premier League.

The Hammers star has told Gary Neville that he does not want to retire without winning trophies.

It has previously been suggested that West Ham value him at £100m. Campbell believes Man Utd should sign both players this summer:

“Just pay it,” Campbell told Football Insider.

“Don’t even question it because they are both top, top players. Just go and pay the money, it’s not like they haven’t got it. Two players who are both England internationals. There should be no hesitation. Just go and pay that money.

“That is where the problem is at Manchester United. It is in the midfield.

“I know Fred and McTominay have done a decent job but let’s be honest, Phillips and Rice are a big upgrade.

“If they do that, their engine room looks like a Rolls-Royce. They are two top-quality home-grown players.”

Elsewhere, Micah Richards believes former Man Utd man Daniel James is “coming of age” at Leeds:

“He scored what two goals before the Villa game and he got another two today,” said Richards.

“I thought his all-round game was outstanding.

“He has played in a central role. At Manchester United, he used to get into some very good positions and fluff his lines a little.

“But I am now seeing a more measured and composed approach. His runs in behind, going from out to in. As a defender, it’s an absolute nightmare – and his link-up play is very good as well.

“Playing on the wing, to play as a striker, it’s different because you have your back to goal. You are playing against Mings and Konsa, who are very strong – no defender wants to play against pace and movement – and I think in this Leeds side he is coming of age.”