Phil Jones has started his seventh season at Manchester United with back to back quality performances in what could be his last chance to resurrect his career.
With Rojo out injured and Lindelof still needing time to adapt to his surroundings, it appears like Jones only has Smalling to contend with for a first team spot this season. In previous years, the Englishman failed to seriously get his career going at Manchester United and it momentarily seemed like he’d be moved on this summer.
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The likelihood is that Mourinho kept him around because of Rojo’s injury and because it quickly became apparent that Lindelof would need to settle in before becoming a regular starter. There’s also the added benefit that Jose may occasionally play with 5 man defence made up of 3 centre-backs which means he will need the additional numbers.
The Manchester United boss previously called out Jones and Smalling asking them to step up and so far it looks like only one of them has done so. Phil has proven his determination and will to fight towards the end of last season and it appears like he aims to carry that on this season. Smalling meanwhile, has fallen out of favour and would do well to learn from his England teammate.
Much was expected of the former Blackburn Rovers man and after overcoming niggling injuries, he may yet have his best season at Old Trafford. When initially bought, many expected him to be a guaranteed starter by now and a club icon but the defender still has plenty to prove this season to the Red Devils fanbase.
Sir Alex Ferguson once made the bold statement that Jones can become United’s greatest ever player and it originally looked like he made a great start at the Theatre of Dreams. However, now it would be disrespectful to put the centre-back alongside the likes of Giggs or Scholes despite him playing with the legendary pair.
All is not lost though with the Englishman having the perfect opportunity to throw serious doubt into Rojo and Lindelof’s Manchester United careers. Bailly is clearly a guaranteed starter and expectations are that Lindelof will eventually partner him but Phil can pull the rug under that plan if he continues to perform as he has the past two games.
It’s still early days but Jones has looked sharp and arguably could’ve been the man of the match in the demolition of Swansea. He was composed, quick to put his foot in and made Bailly look less wonderful than the Ivorian normally does; a credit to his performance. Relatively young at 25, he does have more time to prove himself than Smalling does.
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Rojo still has a while before he returns and the brave defender can take full advantage of that. With two years remaining on his contract, Mourinho will have a decision to make come the end of the season; cash in on Phil or extend it. Only Jones has the power to make sure it’s the latter that happens.