Hull City
Man United
Phil Jones is to leave Manchester United when his contract expires in the summer.
The central defender joined the club in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers and won the league in the following season (2012/13), Sir Alex Ferguson’s final campaign in charge.
The 31-year-old, who has been capped 27 times by England, made 229 appearances for the Reds and scored six goals.
Thank you and farewell, Phil Video
With his final outing coming in a 3-0 win over Brentford at the end of last season, as a substitute for Juan Mata, he has been sidelined throughout 2022/23, despite incredible efforts, on his part, to regain fitness.
It has been a frustrating time for Jones, who is looking to the future and a new chapter, while being extremely grateful for the support of his family and the club’s fans over this gruelling period.
As part of an extensive interview with club media, Phil said: “It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years. There’s no denying that. There is no hiding away from that. My family have been absolutely instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow and keeping me focused, to try to get fit and try to play more.
“And, you know, I’ve missed playing football. I missed it. You grow up playing football and all you want to do is play football. It’s all I’ve known, from such a young age, is to do what you love doing for a living. I’ve been fortunate enough to do that, albeit not as much as I would have liked.
“I’ve worked tirelessly hard,” he admitted. “I literally left no stone unturned. I tried to get back as quick as I could, every time I was out in the last couple of years. I think the highlight for me would have to be the Wolves game [his return from injury last season], when I came back. That was just a moment that I’ll never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it. I mean I worked so, so hard to get to that stage of fitness.
“That was a huge, huge moment in my career and the fans, that day, were incredible. The love that they showed me for that game, the passion that they showed, was sensational. And I can’t thank them enough for that. They’ve been a constant support throughout my time here.”
Our no.4 is now taking some time before deciding his next move and everybody at United would like to wish Phil the very best of luck for the future.
Manchester United are set to be without winger Alejandro Garnacho, ahead of the Europa League round-of-16 second leg against Real Betis in Spain. The 18-year-old has often been electric this season but his appearance off the bench against Southampton on Sunday was cut short early, after he suffered an injury during a challenge from Saints’ right-back Kyle […]
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay scored two decisive goals as Scotland recorded a famous win over Spain on Tuesday evening. The United man found the net either side of half-time at a jubilant Hampden Park, as his country triumphed 2-0 in the Euro 2024 qualifier. It means McTominay has scored four times in two appearances for his […]
Man United could have their most successful season in 10 years but plans are well underway to enhance the squad next term. Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United are “working hard” to improve the squad next season in the summer transfer window. United have already ended their trophy drought, are in the quarter-finals of the […]
