It was a surprise, to say the least, when manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named Phil Jones in the back three for yesterday’s match against Sheffield United.
The 27-year-old started his first Premier League game of the season at Bramall Lane, and it was immediately apparent why as he put in a wretched first-half display that got him hooked at half time.
Supporters have been asking why Jones remains a United player:
Yes Phil Jones might do well in training Ole and he might not complain but his days as a United player are over. We have better younger players.
— Reddevil76 (@Topps1765) November 24, 2019
Phil Jones over Chris Smalling was the wrong call
— AB (@AB88585502) November 24, 2019
Any chance that United can add Phil Jones to the Black Friday sales? #MUFC
— Ian Elliot (@IanRElliot) November 24, 2019
I’d say it was probably the worst performance since Phil Jones last played.
— Daniel Fieldhouse (@DanFieldhouse) November 24, 2019
Please go away from our club, Phil Jones!
— Firroy Friztanda (@friztanda) November 24, 2019
Phil Jones should not even be close to the squad…. Why on earth he is in the team?
— Atif Ahmed (@AtifiAhmed) November 24, 2019
the fact that phil jones is still at united is beyond me
— Jerrell Reed (@jerrelljreed) November 24, 2019
Hopefully that’s the final nail in the coffin of Phil Jones’ United career.
— Gary (@GazzDMUFC) November 24, 2019
Why is Phil Jones still playing for our club?
— Luke Stradling (@LukeStradling) November 24, 2019
The astonishing thing is that he was given a new four and a half year contract last February, and certainly nobody will be looking to take credit for that decision after last night’s display.
Jones was completely outmuscled for the first goal by Lys Mousset and was never up with the pace of the game. His lack of match sharpness after playing so few games this season may have played a part, but even so, you should expect a better performance than what the defender showed against the Blades.