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Footage of an emotional Phil Jones has emerged following the defender’s long-awaited return for Manchester United.
Jones made his first senior appearance in nearly two years on Monday as United were beaten 1-0 by Wolves at Old Trafford.
While the result was a disappointment for United fans, Jones has won praise for his individual performance.
The 29-year-old’s name was sung by supporters as he left the pitch at full-time, a gesture which appeared to bring the defender to tears.
In a video released by the club on Twitter, Jones wipes his eyes after hearing his name sung and then beats his chest in response to the crowd.
“A milestone that's been 712 days in the making,” United’s account wrote on Twitter.
“It meant so much to Phil.”
Before Monday, Jones last featured for United in an FA Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers in January 2020.
The central defender had fallen out of contention at Old Trafford in recent years after suffering a series of injuries, including a long-term knee problem.
However, after working his way back to full fitness, Jones was given a chance to impress by interim manager Ralf Rangnick against Wolves after Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly were all ruled out of the match.
United left-back Shaw praised Jones for his performance and his determination to return to first-team football.
“Phil Jones should be proud of himself,” Shaw told MUTV and Sky Sports.
“I think he’s been criticised for a number of years constantly, people always getting at him but he’s stuck by it, he’s so professional, trains so hard and he got his chance tonight and I think he was phenomenal.
"I think he needs a lot of respect for that tonight because he was out for over a year and this is really his first big game back and he was exceptional.
“I’m obviously very happy for him for what he’s been through and he’s a really good lad and he deserves it.
“So I just want to say to Phil Jones, keep going.”
Featured Image Credit: Twitter: ManUtdTopics: Manchester United, Phil Jones, Football, Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Rory O'Callaghan