Phil Jones: Mourinho made me feel wanted at Manchester United
Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones has hailed Mourinho as one of his most influential managers and is reaping the benefits of an impressive pre-season.
Jones is another player under Mourinho who has taken his opportunities when presented with them at Manchester United. Jose was quick to praise the Englishman and claimed if he can remain fit then he can prove to be everything the boss is looking for in a defender.
Speaking on his favourite managers Phil said, “Whether you think they are right or wrong you still have the respect for them, but I just feel in general that Sam Allardyce, Sir Alex and Jose Mourinho are the managers that have made me feel so wanted at the club and need me as one of their main players.”.
“Any footballer would tell you that if that’s the case, then they are going to get the best out of you. I have seen comments [from Mourinho about wanting Jones at centre-half] and it’s nice to hear that from the manager, but I am under no illusions.” said a down to earth Jones.
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The former Blackburn Rovers man continued, “Equally, when times are tough, I am not one for just throwing the towel in. It was difficult towards the end of the second season under [Louis] Van Gaal but sometimes your face fits, sometimes it doesn’t.”.
“I always said to myself that if I can be strong and mentally strong, I would have a chance under the new manager and thankfully he has given me that. Last season I didn’t start so well, but towards the back end of the season I played a lot of games, felt good, felt strong and I feel the same this season.” Jones added.
The versatile defender finished off by sending a reminder to his teammates, “We are not getting too carried away with things. We have a long way to go. I feel good, happy and strong. I want to keep playing and play as many games as I can this season.”.
Mourinho is well known for improving his current crop of players but always seems to do particularly well with defenders. Manchester United are well stocked with Bailly, Jones, Rojo, Smalling and Lindelof making up the senior players while the likes of Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Tuanzebe knock on the door.
With Rojo out injured and Lindelof still adjusting to the league, it appears like Phil has no better time than now to solidify his place in defence, especially because Jose has targeted it as a weakness in the squad, investing in it over two summer periods with Bailly the one to come in last season.
However, Mourinho isn’t one to give game time to players who don’t deserve it and on current form Bailly and Jones make up the strongest pair at the back, both complimenting each other fairly well and helping keep 3 clean sheets in the 3 Premier League games played so far.
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More difficult tests will come later on in the season but there’s no reason why the injury-prone defender can finally fulfil his potential and prove to be worthy of the Red Devils shirt. His form has been recognised by his national coach and should it continue, there’s no reason why Jones can’t be a Manchester United great under Jose Mourinho.