Solskjaer wants out-of-favour Manchester United star to make return

With the January transfer window now closed, not much activity was shown by Manchester United this time with only the arrival of Amad Diallo, whom they had managed to sign back in the month of October of last year.

Although various rumours claimed that this January was most probably the time when Phil Jones would make his Old Trafford exit, Ole Gunner Solskjaer recently has provided the Englishman with a second chance, claiming that he will be making a return to the squad despite being inactive for a long time now.

The 28-year-old defender was a first-team player when Solskjaer first arrived as caretaker manager and played every single game during their unbeaten 8-game run back in the month of January and December of the 2018/19 season. But the English international was sidelined due to a knee injury last season and has not played for the Red Devils for quite some time as a result of it.

Jones was expected to make his exit from the club in the January transfer window but it seems like Solskjaer will be adding him back to the squad for now as they failed to find him a club, as reported by the Express.

More from Manchester United News

• Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
• Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
• Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
• Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
• Mike Phelan blasts Manchester United teammates over Ronaldo exit

Phil Jones expected to make return to Manchester United’s squad

Solskjaer has explained the situation of Phil Jones as “disheartening” since the centre-back lost his place in the squad due to a knee injury which has further hindered his Manchester United career:

"“It’s disheartening. It’s the worst thing for a football player.“When you have injuries that take your passion away and take your chance to play football away.“Phil has been a top centre-back and was in the World Cup squad two years back. He was brilliant when I came in, so I want him back into the squad as quick as I can.”"

Although being added to the 25-man squad does not guarantee a return to the starting XI as the centre-back position will be a tough spot to compete for with the likes of Axel Tunazebe, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire already ahead of him in Solskjaer’s pecking order.

It will be a difficult job for Jones to break into the first-team once again, let’s just hope that he is able to deliver when or if he pulls on the Manchester United jersey once again.