Phil Jones Future | Reports: Observing United academy sessions

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Shamana said:
It was Varane own words
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"Manchester United? They had just signed Phil Jones in my position," Varane said.
"PSG? The project there wasn't clear. The Qataris had only just arrived and it was all very vague.
"My first reaction when Real wanted to sign me was not, 'Of course I will go.' I only made my decision when I knew that the coach wanted me to play in the first team."

That's not the same thing. I still don't think he would have come here ahead of Real without Jones.
 
Just when i thought he can't get any worst than I'm used to, he turns up against Bournemouth as if to say look I'm every bit of shit you couldn't even imagine... must be sold this summer!
 
What actually happened to him? It’s easy to forget he plays for us.

All jokes aside about his faces and injury record, he did show some real potential when he first joined. He was a big part of a title winning squad too. He now looks like a retired player coming back for a charity match whenever we’re desperate enough to select him
 
LawCharltonBest said:
What actually happened to him? It’s easy to forget he plays for us.

All jokes aside about his faces and injury record, he did show some real potential when he first joined. He was a big part of a title winning squad too. He now looks like a retired player coming back for a charity match whenever we’re desperate enough to select him
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He was being compared to Duncan Edwards when he first joined us.
Potential is overrated.
 
It's crazy how Smalling was sent away and Jones got a big contract extension
 
Luke1995 said:
It's crazy how Smalling was sent away and Jones got a big contract extension
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Being overacted there.

Smalling also got an extension though. He was sent away probably because no one wants Jones, while there are clubs wanted Smalling.
 
Jones should do a good job if he goes to somewhere like Westham or Newcastle. I like Jones. He gives all for the team. He never gets out of a tackle and he does put his head on the line. He is simply injury prone. He is never a fake. I really don't know the hate for Jones.
 
Jones was quality when he first joined, both in defence and midfield. The only doubt was whether he would be a defender or a midfielder.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it didn’t work out. I guess it was probably injuries, but they were also partly down to his erratic style of play.

Anyway, it’s time for him to move on and I wouldn’t be surprised if he became a rock at the heart of another (mid table) team’s defence. And I truly hope he does. He’s never given anything other than 100% and I wish him all the best. He’s only 28 and he’s got plenty of time. And I’m rambling on for no reason.
 
UNITED ACADEMY said:
Being overacted there.

Smalling also got an extension though. He was sent away probably because no one wants Jones, while there are clubs wanted Smalling.
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Jones contract got the option of a further year though, it's kinda like Mata's extension. (Probably, not 100% sure)
 
Should have been sold instead of being given an insane contract. Couldnt understand the logic of the length of it. Too injury prone and we ought to take anything offered. I would even he went on a free.
 
Luke1995 said:
Jones contract got the option of a further year though, it's kinda like Mata's extension. (Probably, not 100% sure)
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Doesn't make any difference though. I thought it's an optional for the club to choose whether they will trigger the extension or no.
 
He's a good candidate to be the new Mr. Bean I believe. His facial expressions are out of this world. Could easily make millions of people laugh without talking.
 
He'd do a good job at a lesser team. His mobility seems to have significantly reduced due to injury but when he gets a run of games, his performances significantly improve. He won't get that at United.

I think he's a good character, speaks well and has a good attitude. I'd imagine he's a popular member of the squad. His body just lets him down.

West Ham or Newcastle would be a good move for him. If United can get £12-15m it would be a really good deal for all parties.

Tuanzebe can easily take his role in the squad as the hugely talented future star who is injured every time an opportunity presents itself.
 
LawCharltonBest said:
What actually happened to him? It’s easy to forget he plays for us.

All jokes aside about his faces and injury record, he did show some real potential when he first joined. He was a big part of a title winning squad too. He now looks like a retired player coming back for a charity match whenever we’re desperate enough to select him
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When Jones was all over the places some fan praised him, only a few spotted the problem. For a good defender, you anticipate the problem, like VVD, not reactive to it. OK a few tackles and dive header will save you the day, but not every time, particularly when you create the problem in the 1st place.

Back to your question. When Jones has such limitation, when he is unfit (i.e. split second slower), lacking confidence, it can only get worse, does it? So the question should be, what happened 6-8 years ago, did the coaching team fail to identify his deficiency, or too busy with something more important.
 
cyril C said:
When Jones was all over the places some fan praised him, only a few spotted the problem. For a good defender, you anticipate the problem, like VVD, not reactive to it. OK a few tackles and dive header will save you the day, but not every time, particularly when you create the problem in the 1st place.

Back to your question. When Jones has such limitation, when he is unfit (i.e. split second slower), lacking confidence, it can only get worse, does it? So the question should be, what happened 6-8 years ago, did the coaching team fail to identify his deficiency, or too busy with something more important.
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Or everything isn't the coaching teams problem and sometimes players simply don't develop as they could have due to their own qualities or fitness issues. When Jones started his United career he appeared to be a real talent. He wasn't a lock in for any one position but he appeared to be capable of almost everything - still fondly remember his marauding runs into the opposition half leaving opponents in his wake. It's just that over time he couldn't take those developmental steps - consistency, defensive acumen, composure, specialisation etc the things you should be attaining as you get get older.

As for Pro active Vs reactive, there are all sorts of defenders who achieve a high level. Rio used to lay back and snuff out attacks whereas Vidic used to attack the ball and dominate. Jones at the outset was more the latter than the former. He was a bit rough around the edges but it wasn't unreasonable to feel that he'd become a real player if he developed well. He didn't. That's it. It's certainly not because our coaching staff was busy with other things and hence lacked insight that casual football fans somehow attained.
 
Players go through development arcs which are a result of their training, coaching, and match experiences. All on top of the foundations of their capabilities and mentality. It is pure revisionism to say that Jones wasn’t a player with top potential once upon a time. He was versatile, powerful, brave, and an excellent defender. He had all the tools to make it at the very top level, including the mentality. In another dimension he is captain of United and England. He has that Sergio Ramos edge about him.

But the arc is fragile, it is susceptible to disruption and misfortune. Jones has missed the most important chunk of his career being on an injury carousel. He has never developed as he should, and is stuck in a perpetual cycle of a developing 21 year old, coupled to the waning of his physical prowess as injuries take their toll.

Whether one was a fan of him originally or not, regardless of whether one wanted to stick by him as he struggled, the fact is that we are where we are now; and he will never be able to develop into a top quality player for the club. His time has passed and he should be allowed to try and forge a mid level career elsewhere. It’s sad, it’s a shame, but it’s a reality that passes many footballers.
 
:lol: Only he could get injured when there is no football being played.
 
Stacks said:
why do they keep renewing his contract?
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i think the main reason the club are always willing to give players on the fringes new deals is just so they can sell for a fee and it gives the numbers a better look. I don’t see this approach as particularly beneficial in cases like this. The player is on very big wages in relation to his productivity and we have him in the shop window for years but he can’t stay fit. We should have just let him go on a free and he’d hopefully be able to find a good enough deal. The way things are now we are stuck with him more or less unless we pay his wages at another club or give him away for free. It doesn’t make any sense at this stage now really
 
I remember when Jones signed and had such huge potential. Among many other things, he looked like such a natural leader I thought he would become United and England captain for sure.

You really never can tell.
 
Cloud7 said:
I remember when Jones signed and had such huge potential. Among many other things, he looked like such a natural leader I thought he would become United and England captain for sure.

You really never can tell.
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Yup I thought the same.
 
Foxbatt said:
Jones should do a good job if he goes to somewhere like Westham or Newcastle. I like Jones. He gives all for the team. He never gets out of a tackle and he does put his head on the line. He is simply injury prone. He is never a fake. I really don't know the hate for Jones.
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He has the right attitude. I just think his injury record hurt his development. Everyone makes mistakes, but Jones' tend to turn out costly and because of that he's become some what of a scapegoat (just like Young was). Hard to believe he's still only 28. He's been at the club for so long. But I think it's time for him to go and make way for Tuanzebe. As it stands now, including Smalling, we have way too many centre halves on the books with Jones, Smalling, Tuanzebe, Maguire, Lindeloff, Bailley and Rojo. That really is 3 more than we probably need...
 
Will always love Phil. Injuries have killed him. Don't expect him to be here for much longer, but always felt he did a good job when he came into the team, especially under Sir Alex.

If he does go, then I hope he can find a decent PL club, where he can kind of reignite his career.
 
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