When Manchester United beat Arsenal to Phil Jones’ signing in 2011 in a £16.5 million deal from Blackburn, the Red devils must have thought Phil Jones would be the long term replacement for ageing Vidic. He alongside Chris Smalling who was signed six months earlier from Fulham were thought to be United’s long term replacement for both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

Unfortunately Phil Jones hasn’t fulfilled his potential largely as a result of injuries. The highly rated and versatile defender has been solid for most of the times he has been fit enough to play for the Red devils but unfortunately, he is not fit often enough. In five seasons, he has played a total of 105 games. That’s about 20 games per season. Definitely not a good statistic for a player who is reportedly on a wage package of £110,000 a week. At that price he could be moved on if his appearances don’t improve.

United are not Arsenal who keeps paying crazy wages to players such as Theo Walcott who delivers next to nothing in return. Even though Daley Blind has looked very accomplished at centre-back this year you would think if there is something whoever the Manchester United manager is next season has to do, surely he must bring in a solid centre back who will partner Chris Smalling in the centre of the defense. And should this happen, Jones will certainly become a 4th choice. Unfortunately a 4th choice centre back who is on £110,000 a week. Which may be a waste of the club’s resources.

It is no fault of his that he is not able to stay fit, unfortunately in football, especially now that it is more of business than entertainment, there is no room for sentiments.

Whether Jones stays or goes likely depends on how he gets through the rest of this season and how his preseason goes next campaign. We shall see.