Kalvin Phillips can spark unplanned Manchester United change for Scott McTominay

Change is on the horizon at Manchester United as Erik ten Hag prepares to step into the dugout, while attentions have already switched to the players that might - or might not - join the Dutchman as he strives to restore former glories at Old Trafford and beyond.

Ralf Rangnick suggested United might need open-heart surgery when it comes to their squad moving forward. An extreme take from the man who will hold the post until the end of this season, but supporters would tend to agree at the very least that cosmetic alterations are needed to finally bring the good times back.

Upgrades are required in several positions, except for between the posts where David de Gea has been imperious as he closes in on a fifth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award. The elephant in the room for summer recruitment, meanwhile, could be billed as an elephant in the engine room.

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Declan Rice was viewed as target number one in that regard amid founded and genuine concerns West Ham might dig their heels in over a valuation for the England midfielder. In any case, there are further complications on account of fading top-four aspirations and simultaneous interest from Chelsea.

Put simply, Rice is worthy of a Champions League place and United - in their current guise - are not.

Step forward his partner in crime at international level, Kalvin Phillips, who has tempted United into drawing up the framework for a potential summer deal from bitter rivals Leeds. Of course, there are notable issues there due to that intense rivalry which exists across the M62.

Even so, at this stage he represents a more legitimate and attainable option for United and