Phil Jones Rejected The Chance To Have A Manchester United Testimonial

Phil Jones won't be getting a testimonial at Manchester United because he thinks 'only his mum and dad' would turn up to the match.

On Sunday Jones reintroduced himself into everyone's thoughts with a howler of a mistake to hand Sheffield United their opening goal in the 3-3 draw with Manchester United.

Jones was making his first start in the Premier League this season and with his side 2-0 down was taken off at half-time by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The centre back has become a figure of fun and the latest news will sure to be greeted with a snigger. According to The Athletic, Jones rejected the chance to have a testimonial when he signed a four year deal in February.

Jones falls ahead of the Blades opening goal. Image: PA Images

He'll have been at the club 10 years in 2021 but unlike Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane he didn't ask for it in his contract because he was aware how unpopular he's become with fans.

Asked about it in the past the former Blackburn Rovers man answered with a self deprecating dig, saying, "Apart from my mum and dad, who else would turn up?"

Form and fitness have completely evaded him during his time at Old Trafford so far and he's below Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Axel Tuanzebe and Marcos Rojo in the pecking order at the moment.

The 27-year-old has become better known for becoming a meme, thanks to his facial expressions and reactions on the pitch, rather than his football prowess.

All this for a player who was once described by Sir Alex Ferguson as having the potential to be better than Duncan Edwards and could 'be our best-ever player.'

Jones is now the club's longest serving current player, with Chris Smalling out on loan at Roma, but instead of his longevity being something to celebrate it's more a shining example of the issues at the club.

Smalling is currently on loan at Roma. Image: PA Images

Despite a lot of investment much of the defence last season had been at the club since before Sir Alex Ferguson left, with Jones and Smalling joined by Ashley Young at the back.

Aside from his 45 minutes last weekend the Preston born defender has only made three other appearances this season, in the Carabao Cup and Europa League.

With so little football there's a chance that Jones won't make it to the summer of 2021, either way though he isn't getting a testimonial.

Topics: Harry Maguire, Football News, Sir Alex Ferguson, Phil Jones, Sheffield United, Manchester Untied, Chris Smalling, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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