Ex-United star Rio Ferdinand has named his former teammate Phil Jones to leave the club. He claims the 29-year-old is blocking what could be a first-team space for an academy player. Phil Jones has not made a competitive first-team appearance for Manchester United since January 2020 after falling out of favour following a knee injury.
He continued his recovery by featuring in a behind-closed-doors friendly against fellow Premier League outfit Burnley last week but is unlikely to be in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans any time soon. He has completed pre-season training just like any other United player but is most likely he will not get playing time now, especially with the arrival of Raphael Varane.
Rio Ferdinand feels that Jones should have been offloaded a long time ago before Chris Smalling called time on his United career to join Serie A outfit AS Roma back in 2019. The players deal is supposed to expire in 2023 after being rewarded with a four-year deal.
Rio Ferdinand Names Phil Jones to be Sold Out
Rio Ferdinand said: “He’s taking up a youth team player’s position in that squad right now” “He’s had too many injuries… I was in the same team as Phil Jones. He came from Blackburn as a young kid. Everyone was saying he was going to be this great player.” “Huge potential, but injuries have absolutely annihilated his career and then confidence issues at certain times as well. He’s never been able to fully establish himself in the team. Whether it’s injuries, lack of form, lack of confidence.”
Ferdinand went on to say Jones is no longer a “vital” member of the team. He compared him to Chelsea’s Danny Drinkwater, saying: “I think he should’ve gone ages ago. He should’ve gone before Chris Smalling went. Find a new club and play some football.”
