Forgotten Man Phil Jones To Finally Leave Man Utd After 12 Years

Jones has been at Old Trafford for the last 12 years but has played very little in recent seasons.

The 31-year-old was part of the last Manchester United side to win the Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 2012/2013 season and has also won the Europa League and FA Cup during his time in the red half of Manchester.

Injuries have taken their toll on the former Blackburn Rovers defender and even the most wide-eyed of Red Devils fans will be shocked for thinking he was still at the club.

Capped 27 times by England, Jones has not featured at all this season under Erik Ten Hag.

“It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years,” Jones admitted in his farewell to United. 

“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.”

He continued: “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.

“My time at United has been nothing short of incredible. When I decided to leave Blackburn I was desperate to show everyone what I could do at the highest level. I had a hunger inside me, I was desperate to continue that at a club that could challenge for everything.

“I had offers from a few places, but I was waiting and waiting for the call from United. One day, on holiday, the phone rang and it was Sir Alex. I left my holiday that day; I couldn’t wait to meet him. I couldn’t wait to sign and, most of all, I couldn’t wait to get started. There was only one club where I wanted to continue my journey in the game.

“To wear this shirt, even just once, to wear this badge and represent everyone associated with it, has been an honour. I wish I could have played more. I wish I could have given more to the many squads I played amongst. I will say, from the bottom of my heart, I did everything I could. I did everything the medical team asked of me.”

United’s announcement on the club website concluded: “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.”

Jones made 229 appearances in total for Man Utd and scored six goals.