2016-2017 Season Performance Review: Phil Jones

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Phil Jones of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on May 7, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

Pre-Season

Phil Jones featured in the first pre-season match of the Jose Mourinho era in a 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic. Jones came on for Luke Shaw and helped the United defense keep the clean sheet. Jones second outing was not as successful after giving up a 2-0 lead in the first half of the friendly against Borussia Dortmund. The English international, along with two others, was subbed off at half time. In the thrilling 5-2 win against Galatasaray, Jones was subbed on when the scoreline read 4-2. He helped keep the Turkish giants out for the rest of the match. Jones had a fairly poor pre-season and the Portuguese manager knew the defense was United’s biggest disappointment in the pre-season.

Start of the Premier League season

Eric Bailly and Daley Blind were found at the heart of the back line in the first few games of the season. Jones suffered an injury and was not available until the loss to Fenerbache in the Europa League. Jones then was the preferred starter at center-back until mid-January when Jones suffered another injury. Jones and Marcos Rojo made a solid partnership and their boss heaped lots of praise their way.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Phil Jones of Manchester United shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on May 7, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Mid season

Phil Jones returned to the squad in early March against Bournemouth. He played up until the international break where he suffered a serious injury and was out for weeks.

End of the season

The Englishman finally returned back to the pitch in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. He featured for the rest of the Premier League season but was left on the bench for the Europa League final. Jones struggled to stay fit all season and will hope next year he can solidify himself in the defense and stay healthy.

Overall Stats

Phil Jones featured 26 times for the Red Devils this season of their 64 matches. Jones played very well in the middle of the season but was unable to notch a goal or an assist. Next year, Jones will hope he can maintain fitness and be a part of the strong United squad.

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