Rio Ferdinand thinks Manchester United star should’ve gone ages ago

It is no secret that Manchester United have not enjoyed the most successful time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. They have not won the Premier League or the UEFA Champions League since then. In fact, they have not won a trophy in the past four seasons.

One man who will know what is it takes to be successful at Old Trafford is Rio Ferdinand. He was an integral part of one of the best Manchester United sides ever.

The club have had a bit of a squad refresh under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the past couple of years, and after adding the likes of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Tom Heaton to the squad this summer, they should be considered as title contenders this time around. One player who has been heavily linked with an exit though is Phil Jones, who has spent over a decade at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand thinks that he should have gone ages ago. While speaking on Vibe With FIVE and as reported by Manchester Evening News, the club legend said:

"“He’s never been able to fully establish himself in the team. Whether it’s injuries, lack of form, lack of confidence.“I think he should’ve gone ages ago. He should’ve gone before Chris Smalling went. Find a new club and play some football.“He’s lacked consistency throughout his career at Man United.”"

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Jones has been linked with a Manchester United exit this summer

Ferdinand was at the club when Jones arrived at Old Trafford back in the summer of 2011. Back then, he was considered as one of the most talented young defenders in world football.

Jones has not featured for the first-team for well over a year now due to injury. And with the likes of Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly already at the club, it feels unlikely that he will get a lot of playing time this season.

Thus, while recent rumours have suggested that he might be in Solskjaer’s plans, a loan move away in search of minutes on the pitch does make a lot of sense for Jones. Still just 29 years of age, he should have a lot of football left in the tank if he can remain fit.