Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Eric Cantona, George Best, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bobby Charlton, Roy Keane, Duncan Edwards and Peter Schmeichel. Here we have some of Manchester United's greatest ever.
Then Phil Jones comes along and is heralded in the same bracket by one of the greatest managers of all time.
Jones was once touted for big things at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson decided to splash a reported £16.5 million on the centre-back after being impressed with his leadership skills during their 1-1 draw on the final game of the 2010/11 season.
Ferguson himself even went as far as saying the young defender could flourish into Manchester United's 'greatest ever' player. Now that was a bold statement.
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"Jones, arguably the way he is looking, could be our best ever player." Ferguson said when they signed him.
"I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, not matter where we play him. At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch.
"He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game. He has a drive about him."
The 27-year-old has shown glimpses of what Fergie was talking about all those years ago, but has never really established himself in the world class bracket, thanks to mistake after mistake.
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One of the infamous mistakes happened again last night, when United conceded a comical own goal thanks to the unfortunate efforts of Jones, who toe-poked it past his own goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, after the Argentinian rushed off his line to collect a stray pass.
To think, Sir Alex Ferguson once said that the centre-back could be the greatest Manchester United player ever.
Here's the moment he messed up at the Mestalla.
Thoughts on Sir Alex's prediction on Jones? How important is the 26-year-old to United right now?
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Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Phil Jones, red devils, Premier League
