Phil Jones has signed a new contract at Manchester United, so we can look forward to seeing more of his wonderfully weird faces as he throws himself into the thick of the action.
Jones, 26, has extended his stay at Old Trafford until the summer of 2023 with an option to extend it for another year, as he has finally shaken off his lengthy battle with injuries and has become a regular under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United’s caretaker boss has now seen Anthony Martial and Jones sign new deals, as his impact at the club is clearly leading to players committing their future to United.
Speaking about his deal, Jones was delighted to remain at United and try and add to the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup titles he has won at the club.
“I am delighted to have signed a new contract. Manchester United has been a big part of my life for eight years and I love everything about this club,” Jones said. “I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead of us as we prepare for a very busy period in the season. I would like to thank Ole and the coaching staff for their continued support in my development.”
If Jones can stay fit, there’s no doubting that he will be a key defensive player for United. It is also hard to believe he’s only 26 years old, as he’s now played in the Premier League for the last nine years since bursting onto the scene at Blackburn Rovers then moving to United.
Jones and Chris Smalling have been scapegoats in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at United, and in many cases you can understand why with some high-profile mistakes.
But with Eric Bailly being linked with a move away, locking up Jones and Chris Smalling (he signed a new deal in 2018) to long-term deals makes sense at least to keep some defensive cover at the club. Victor Lindelof has been superb in recent months and although Jose Mourinho made it clear he wanted to add new center backs and didn’t do so, the defenders United have aren’t as bad as some would suggest.
Jones’ penchant for own goals, heading the ball while laying on the floor and making strange faces are the gifts that keep on giving.
United will hope he can now stay fit and kick on after several injury-hit seasons saw him lose his place as an England international.
