Castaway Manchester United defender Phil Jones came close to retiring during the pandemic.
According to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, the English defender came close to hanging up his boots after failing to regain his fitness due to a series of injuries.
Dawson reports on the embattled defender: “Phil Jones may have played his last game for Manchester United.”
“He will probably be allowed to go quietly in the summer when his contract expires.”
To highlight Jones’ status at United, not only has he been left out of Erik ten Hag’s 25-man Europa League squad, but he has also been left out of the official Premier League squad.
This issue could have been resolved if the player had gotten his move in the recently closed summer transfer window.
However, according to Dawson, while there were suitors for Jones, who was also interested in leaving Old Trafford to revive his struggling career, potential moves were stymied by recurring injuries.
“Without a deadline for his return, Erik ten Hag decided there was no point in registering him with the squads.”
In fact, the 30-year-old was unable to attend United’s pre-season because he stayed in Carrington for a personal training programme. At the same time, the rest of his classmates traveled to Thailand, Australia and Oslo.
Jones joined the Red Devils as a promising young prospect in 2011, with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson breaking the bank to bring him from Blackburn Rovers in a £16m deal.
Although his stay at Old Trafford of late was a disappointment, Jones has won trophies most other players can only dream of, including some who currently play regularly for United.
In 229 appearances for the 20-time English champions, the defender won a Premier League title, an FA Cup and the Europa League.
At 30 years old, Jones may still have something to offer to any side that bets on him and offers him a lifeline for his career.
