- Birthdate: 21 Feb 1992
- Birthplace: Preston, Lancashire
- Position: Defender
- Joined United: 01 Jul 2011
- Joined From: Blackburn Rovers
- International: Enghland
- United Debut: 7 Aug 2011 v Man City (N)
- Appearances: 141
Phil Jones benefited from being versatile during his first three seasons at Manchester United but, in 2014/15, he was able to assert his authority in his preferred position of centre-back. In fact, the England international did not start a match in any other position during Louis van Gaal's maiden campaign as manager, which is perhaps ironic considering the Dutchman's declared admiration for “multi-functional” players.
Jones did, however, have to adapt to van Gaal's different formations, including one which featured just three men at the back. “We’ve learned his way of playing and what he wants in every game,” Phil explained midway through the season. “The demands are high, especially in training, but it’s what we needed and everyone has responded well to it. There’s a buzz about the place.”
Injuries unfortunately hampered Jones during 2014/15 and limited him to just 22 appearances in all competitions, his lowest tally in four years with United. No doubt he will be determined to retain full fitness throughout 2015/16 and help provide a solid foundation as the Reds chase glory at home and in Europe. The signing of a new long-term contract in June emphasised his importance to the cause.
It's hard to believe that only five years have passed since Jones broke into Blackburn Rovers' first team in March 2010. It soon became clear that the Lancashire club had an exceptional young talent on their hands. An eye-catching debut against Chelsea brought inevitable comparisons with Blues skipper John Terry, as the robust defender swiftly handled the elevation in class and dealt admirably with some of the biggest names in the country.
Wayne Rooney admitted Jones was one of his toughest opponents in 2010/11, and his performances against the Reds in consecutive seasons certainly showed him to be a player who loves the art of defending under pressure. Sir Alex noted Jones' determination at Old Trafford, haranguing his older team-mates as Blackburn were being clobbered 7-1, and was convinced that he was a United player in the making. The former manager beat off competition from other top clubs to land his man in the summer of 2011.
With United's defence beset by sweeping injury misfortune at different stages of 11/12, Jones was able to put in a number of accomplished displays at centre-half and right-back, while occasionally lending his talents to a moonlighting role in central midfield.
The Reds' defensive injury curse claimed Jones at various points in his debut campaign, and also robbed him of almost half a season in 2012/13. The youngster didn't appear in the first team until midway through the campaign due to back and knee injuries, and he subsequently suffered ankle damage after a typically whole-hearted challenge against Reading's Jobi McAnuff. He returned to the side, however, to help United win the Premier League title for his first silverware at Old Trafford.
Jones was a regular in the Reds' backline during 2013/14, making 39 appearances in total. He also scored his first goal in almost two years, against Norwich City in the League Cup – one of three strikes during the campaign. A series of consistent displays earned him a place in the England squad for the World Cup, where he played the full 90 minutes as the Three Lions drew 0-0 with Costa Rica. More international tournament football beckons in the 2016 European Championship but he has a big season first with the Reds to approach with confidence.
Wayne Rooney admitted Jones was one of his toughest opponents in 2010/11, and his performances against the Reds in consecutive seasons certainly showed him to be a player who loves the art of defending under pressure. Sir Alex noted Jones' determination at Old Trafford, haranguing his older team-mates as Blackburn were being clobbered 7-1, and was convinced that he was a United player in the making. The former manager beat off competition from other top clubs to land his man in the summer of 2011.
With United's defence beset by sweeping injury misfortune at different stages of 11/12, Jones was able to put in a number of accomplished displays at centre-half and right-back, while occasionally lending his talents to a moonlighting role in central midfield.
The Reds' defensive injury curse claimed Jones at various points in his debut campaign, and also robbed him of almost half a season in 2012/13. The youngster didn't appear in the first team until midway through the campaign due to back and knee injuries, and he subsequently suffered ankle damage after a typically whole-hearted challenge against Reading's Jobi McAnuff. He returned to the side, however, to help United win the Premier League title for his first silverware at Old Trafford.
Jones was a regular in the Reds' backline during 2013/14, making 39 appearances in total. He also scored his first goal in almost two years, against Norwich City in the League Cup – one of three strikes during the campaign. A series of consistent displays earned him a place in the England squad for the World Cup, where he played the full 90 minutes as the Three Lions drew 0-0 with Costa Rica. More international tournament football beckons in the 2016 European Championship but he has a big season first with the Reds to approach with confidence.
