Where Man Utd signing Alex Ferguson tipped to be 'our best ever player' is now

19 September 2023 , 11:59

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Phil Jones watched United's Under-18 team from the sidelines at the weekend (Image: MUTV)

Phil Jones has been pictured at Manchester United's Carrington training ground as he plots his next move following his Old Trafford exit.

The England defender spent more than a decade on the books at United after signing from Blackburn as a teenager, only to see his career ravaged by injuries. It was confirmed that he'd be leaving the club at the end of last season after making just a handful of appearances in several years.

Jones has been invited back to United's training base though with the Manchester Evening News confirming he'd been watching academy training sessions. He was also present for Saturday's U18s match against Nottingham Forest, but the club maintain he isn't about to take up a coaching role.

The exercise was simply so that the 31-year-old could gain experience on the sidelines as he ponders his next move with no playing opportunities yet forthcoming. A step into coaching would seemingly come early but Jones may consider his options with a new club seemingly not on the immediate horizon.

Sources around the club claim senior pros 'regularly engage' with the academy with his presence at Carrington seen as useful for the younger players.

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Jones failed to make a single appearance last term and had only made 13 outings in all competitions across the previous four campaigns. Prior to that he'd been a regular part of the first-team squad, appearing at least 20 times in seven out of eight seasons.

Phil Jones is currently seeking his next move

It was Sir Alex Ferguson who first spotted Jones' talent after he'd spent less than two years in the first-team at Blackburn He signed a five-year deal after United had coughed up £16.5m to land his signature with the United boss using him immediately.

Such was his potential and early performances, Ferguson said: “I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him.

“At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch. He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game. He has a drive about him.”

Sir Alex Ferguson had high hopes for the defender during his tenure

Jones opened up on his Manchester exit back in the summer, underlining the role Ferguson had played in getting him to the club. He said: “My time at United has been nothing short of incredible. When I decided to leave Blackburn I was desperate to show everyone what I could do at the highest level.

"I had a hunger inside me, I was desperate to continue that at a club that could challenge for everything. I had offers from a few places, but I was waiting and waiting for the call from United. One day, on holiday, the phone rang and it was Sir Alex. I left my holiday that day; I couldn’t wait to meet him."

Samuel Meade