Manchester United are all set to reward their defender Phil Jones with a new contract that could triple his wages. The 25-year-old England international who has been a constant fixture for Jose Mourinho’s side this season could earn around £150,000-a-week wages, should he agree to this contract.
The Mirror reports that Jones, who fought his way back into Mourinho’s first-team plans this year, has become one of the Premier League’s highest-paid defenders.
Jones has just 20 months remaining on his current deal and should he sign this new contract, it would complete a full circle for the former Blackburn Rovers defender.
Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson and regarded as one of the finest in his generation, Jones struggled to establish himself at United largely because of his injury issues. There is no dearth of support from the fans but even the Red Devils’ supporters have been left exasperated at some of his injuries.
At the start of this season, it looked like Jones could be the odd-man out in Jose’s squad. Victor Lindelof was signed in the summer and was primarily seen as the first-team player for Mourinho.
With Eric Bailly as his first-choice defender, it was thought that Lindelof and Chris Smalling would make up the numbers for the first team, with Jones getting relegated to the sidelines.
However, Mourinho was pleased with the way Jones reacted to injuries last season and has been in the best physical condition of his United career this season. With Mourinho not yet convinced of giving first-team chances to Lindelof, Jones has formed a successful partnership alongside Bailly.
The defender is also set to become a key part of Gareth Southgate’s England side and will be crucial for the Three Lions in the World Cup next summer. With that in mind, the player and the club would be looking to conclude the negotiations before Christmas.
Jones has played every minute for United in the Premier League this season. His solidity at the back and perfect discipline (he is yet to receive a booking) is a surprise even to his supporters. The increased deal would be an apt reminder of his value to the team.
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