Man United: Phil Jones scores incredible goal in training
Manchester United are hopeful Phil Jones can be the next Nemanja Matic and turn his Old Trafford career around, reports say. The England international has been regularly sidelined by injuries throughout his spell at the Theatre of Dreams. And clubs from Serie A are looking at signing him when the transfer window reopens at the end of the campaign.
When Sir Alex Ferguson walked away from Manchester United in 2013, the Scot tipped Phil Jones to be the next Duncan Edwards.
The England international had arrived from Blackburn two years previously and had impressed for the club, shining in both centre-back and central midfield roles.
But, since Ferguson’s exit, Jones has struggled.
He’s now a figure of mockery among many United supporters, with the 28-year-old struggling to stay fit over the years.
He’s made just 57 appearances over the past three years but did sign a new contract when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho in December 2018.
And The Athletic say United are hopeful that Jones can be the next Matic.
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Matic looked destined to leave the Red Devils back in the January transfer window, with Chicago Fire attempting to tempt the Serbia international into an America adventure.
The veteran was way down Solskjaer’s pecking order at the time, with Scott McTominay and Fred both ahead of him.
However, the United star impressed in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal and hasn’t looked back in the time since.
Matic has become a vital player for Solskjaer, striking up a strong understanding with new boy Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in the middle of the park.
And United are hoping Jones can do the same, with the England international recently undergoing a minor knee operation to ‘clear out a persistent issue’.
A source is quoted as saying: “He’s been so unlucky with injuries.”
The surgery was reportedly a success and Jones is now working towards getting back in Solskjaer’s plans, having last featured in the 6-0 thumping of Tranmere back in January.
Clubs from Italy are eyeing a move for the United star at the end of the campaign.
Yet United still believe Jones can live up to Ferguson’s huge comparisons and come good, nine years after his arrival.
As well as Italian teams, West Ham have also been linked with Jones. He previously played under David Moyes at Old Trafford.
But what ultimately happens is something only time will tell.
Meanwhile, Jones is set to miss out as United take on Southampton in their crunch Premier League showdown at Old Trafford on Monday night.
And Solskjaer wants his side to continue their winning run, with the club yet to taste defeat since the 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in January.
“If we were challenging for the trophies maybe I would say so,” he said when asked if the club were back to their best.
“But now it’s keep developing culture, keep doing right things, keep ticking one game off at a time.
“We’ve got to go one day at a time in the training ground environment and hopefully keep on pushing, every day is a chance to make or break that culture."
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