Karan Chopra
When Sir Alex Ferguson signed Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, there was plenty of excitement surrounding the youngster’s potential and skill. It was widely believed that he would captain the side one day and form the bedrock of United’s backline alongside Chris Smalling for a long time.
Five years down the line, it is evident that the tall claim made then is way off the mark. Not only has Jones struggled with injuries, some of which have been recurring in nature, he has also failed to convince the Old Trafford faithful that he can deliver when fit. Jones has always been prone to making errors at the back and that works against his favour as well. What’s worse is that the likes of Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Daley Blind are above him in the defensive pecking order and look assured in their current roles.
Jones’ last competitive appearance for United was back in the first week of January. Having been out of action for almost nine months now, it is hard to see him returning to the first team even in the event of a major injury crisis. There were rumors surrounding his future at the club towards the end of the summer transfer window, with Stoke City posing as an interested suitor for the Englishman. While that move failed to materialize, Jones’ long-term predicament dictates he may want to seek pastures new as early as January.
Here is why United ought to offload him:
1. Riddled with injuries:
As has been the case with several talented footballers, a bout of injuries hamper their progress and end their careers prematurely. Abou Diaby is a prime example of the same and by the looks of it, Phil Jones falls under that bracket. The 24-year-old has spent far too much time on the treatment table for his own liking and given the recurring nature of his injuries, it appears he may never fulfill his vast potential at the club. Tough decisions have to be made at Old Trafford and for the squad’s benefit, it may seem ideal to let him off the hook once and for all.
2. Unable to displace his colleagues:
Last season witnessed the emergence of Chris Smalling as a leader at the back. With Daley Blind partnering him and acclimatizing to an unorthodox role in the back four, Jones found himself on the bench more often than not. New signing Eric Bailly has quickly adapted his life in the Premier League and that does not bode well for Jones either. The challenge ahead is not insurmountable but extremely difficult. Even if a few centre-halves pick up injuries are certain stages of the season, Mourinho may opt for players like Marcos Rojo and Timothy Fosu-Mensah to deputise for the regulars. The lack of game time has proved detrimental for Jones and may just spell his demise at the club.
3. Lacks tenacity:
In the games he has played for United, Jones has looked nervous at an alarming frequency. That is far from acceptable at Manchester United and with a long spell out of the first-team already weakening his stance, there is a little optimism surrounding his ability to turn that around and establish himself as a pivotal member of the squad. With Bailly exemplifying the element of composure at the back, Jones now appears surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and ought to be shipped off.
