Lakshay Khurana
Manchester United has announced the signing of Eric Bailly from Villarreal for £30million on Wednesday to make the central defender Jose Mourinho’s first signing since being appointed at Old Trafford.
The figure for the ex-Villarreal player has surprised people, which is predictable given that the 22-year-old has only played 40 top-flight fixtures in his rising career, but the Portuguese manager has backed the Bailly to become one of the best around.
Eric Bailly has described moving to Manchester United as ‘a dream come true’ in his first interview since joining the club from Villarreal.
With such a hype going on around the Ivorian footballer, it has raised doubts over the future of Phil Jones. Jones had missed half of the season in the senior team due to an injury.
Alex Ferguson was in fact amazed with Phil Jones’ commitment and leadership skills at centre-back when Blackburn Rovers held United to a 1–1 draw on the day United clinched the 2010–11 title. On 13 June 2011, the Red Devils confirmed that they had reached an agreement to sign Jones on a five-year deal for an anonymous transfer fee alleged to be at least £16.5 million.
Phil Jones was the main guy at the heart of the defence along with Chris Smalling before he got injured, and then came Dailey Blind to replace the English centre-back flawlessly.
The 24-year-old has made 102 appearances for Manchester United and has been a part of some of the important games since his arrival at the club in 2011.
Phil Jones obviously has enough experience up his sleeves. He is known for his physical power and build, Jones has been called a “jack of all trades” for his ability to play at right-back, at centre-back and as a defensive midfielder. In spite of the suggestion that his best position is centre-back, he often fills in at right-back. With his sturdy build, opposition have found it hard to frighten Jones off the ball or out-muscle him in any circumstance.
Selling Jones may not be a good decision by Mourinho because the Manchester United squad as it is lacks experience and options in the defensive line-up. With rumours of Dailey Blind exiting the club, it is further more stupid if the English centre-back is sold.
If not the regular starter, Jones can at least, be the first option to replace Smalling or Bailly if anything is to happen to either of these players.
