Once tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson to become United’s ‘best ever player’, Jones hasn’t found favour with Jose Mourinho yet.
Manchester United’s Phil Jones
The 24-year-old’s future under Jose Mourinho is ‘in the balance’, suggests the Manchester Evening News.
Jones was overlooked for United’s 2-1 Community Shield victory over Leicester on the weekend, with Mourinho opting for new signing Eric Bailly and Daley Blind in central defence, with Marcus Rojo – himself rumoured to be for sale – as cover on the bench.
New Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is looking to offload some players
Even with first-choice defender Chris Smalling unavailable for selection, Jones currently doesn’t enter into the new manager’s thought process.
Chris Smalling is still unavailable after an extended rest
Jones has commented on the club’s website that Mourinho has ‘stamped his authority on the squad’ in preparation for the new season. It looks like the Preston-born defender himself could soon be a victim of Mourinho’s upheaval.
It is unknown where Jones may head if he is shown the door, although a season-long loan to Hull is an early suggestion, reports the Daily Record.
Jones was brought to Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 for £16.5 million, and has since gone on to make 92 league appearances for the Red Devils, along with gaining 20 caps for England.
Jones may not be wearing the red of United for much longer
United have three Premier League matches before the transfer window is closed for business. If Jones doesn’t appear in any of them, he may have to assess his options, and decide his future lies outside of Manchester.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
