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'Make sure...' - Kalvin Phillips reveals message in Leeds squad ahead of Man Utd clash
Kalvin Phillips has admitted to sharing the importance of the rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United to the Whites squad ahead of Sunday’s clash.
The Whites travel to Old Trafford for the first time since that famous FA Cup win, and the first time in the Premier League in over 15 years.
Marcelo Bielsa admitted to respecting the rivalry, but for the local players such as Phillips, it means so much more.
Speaking to BBC 5 Live Sport, Phillips admitted that he has been reiterating the same message around the squad – this is the biggest game of the season.
“We didn’t really play each other much,” he said.
“But, still to this day I can remember how hostile it was, and a lot of tackles flying in. Obviously, it’s one game out of the year I look forward too just because I know what it means to everyone.
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“I’ve been walking around the changing room after the Newcastle game saying to everyone, make sure you’re ready, make sure you’re doing everything you can to recover your muscles because this is the biggest game of the season.”
This is the type of game that Phillips will love.
If previous clashes are anything to go by, and tackles start to fly in, the Yorkshire Pirlo will be in his element at Old Trafford this afternoon.
Only Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas have made more tackles in the Whites squad according to WhoScored, but none make more crunching challenges than Phillips.
There aren’t many better counter-attacking teams in the Premier League than the Red Devils with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, making Phillips’ role even more important.
If the Whites enforcer can come out on top in his battles this afternoon, Bielsa’s men will have a great chance of taking all three points – the best early Christmas present.
In other Leeds United news, Red Devils handed a major fitness boost ahead of clash
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