As a Manchester United fan I find it hard to admit this, but Manchester City look brilliant.
They're miles ahead of us and indeed most teams in the Premier League right now. The way they play football, the players they have at their disposal - Pep Guardiola simply has the lot.
Their 7-0 win over Leeds United on Tuesday night was almost more one-sided than the time they battered United earlier in the season. Obviously the scorelines were very different but we all know that Manchester derby could have been even more painful than it actually was.
Naturally I'm not exactly a huge fan of Leeds, but you have to admire the journey they've been on under Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine tactician has transformed the club since taking over in 2018, however, we can't escape the fact his team have been awful this season.
Their 5-1 capitulation in the opening game of the season at Old Trafford set the tone for their campaign so far, and since then they've looked a shadow of the side so often described as 'a breath of fresh air' last season.
Leeds are sitting perilously close to the drop zone and there's now a genuine possibility they could be in for a relegation battle. If they continue their downward trajectory, there's every chance they could be a Championship side once again, and while that will no doubt bring smiles to the faces of United fans, there are other reasons to be cheerful about their rivals' potential demise.
United's pursuit of a central midfielder has been well-documented for some time now, with MEN Sport of the understanding West Ham's Declan Rice remains a target.
However, with Paul Pogba potentially on his way out of the club next summer, it may be that United try to bolster their midfielder options even further.
Kalvin Phillips has been exceptional since making his Premier League debut last season and the Leeds man could be just what United need to shore up their midfield.
Phillips starred for England at Euro 2020, forming a brilliant partnership alongside Rice as Gareth Southgate's men reached the final of the competition.
Playing as a deep-lying playmaker, Phillips has all the attributes needed to shine at United. I believe he would slot into Ralf Rangnick's system perfectly and has shown he can adapt to different styles of play, meaning the club wouldn't have to worry about him only suiting one particular system should Rangnick take up his consultancy role at the end of the season.
As per FBRef, Phillips has averaged 9.64 successful pressures per 90 this season - more than any other United player. On top of that, he makes on average 3.42 tackles per game, 2.43 blocks and 2.07 interceptions, showing he has all the traits needed to thrive in the number six role at United.
If Leeds do go down or continue to struggle this season, United would be mad not to try and make a move for the England international in the summer or even in January.
It remains to be seen whether United will decide to assess their options instead of continuing to chase Rice, but a move for Phillips would make a lot of sense.
Should United try and sign Phillips? Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
