An emotional Phil Jones received incredible reception from Man Utd fans after first start in 722 days

A highlight of Phil Jones' 12-year spell at Manchester United came at Old Trafford last season, when he received an incredible reception from the Stretford End after his first start in 722 days.

It was announced on Friday morning that Jones will leave United when his contract expires in the summer.

Speaking to the club's official website, the defender said he "worked tirelessly hard" to get in the best physical shape possible ahead of Erik Ten Hag's arrival but an ongoing knee problem halted any further progress.

His final outing for United came in a 3-0 win over Brentford at the end of last season, when he replaced Juan Mata.

To his credit, Jones made a spirited return to United's starting line-up on January 3, 2022 against Wolves. In fact, he was one of the club's best performers on the day, despite having gone almost two years without starting for the club.

The former England international appeared overwhelmed when he received a standing ovation from the Stretford End before walking down the Old Trafford tunnel.

As you can see in the footage below, an emotional Jones was serenaded by his chant, to the tune of "Gold" by Spandau Ballet that goes: "Always believe in Phil Jones, you’ve got the power to know you’re indestructible….. always believe in.... JONES”.

In his final interview as a Manchester United player, the 31-year-old mentioned that day against Wolves as one of the standout moments in the famous Red.

"I think the highlight for me would have to be the Wolves game, when I came back, he said. "That was just a moment that I'll never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it. I mean I worked so, so hard to get to that stage of fitness.

"That was a huge, huge moment in my career and the fans, that day, were incredible. The love that they showed me for that game, the passion that they showed, was sensational. And I can't thank them enough for that.

"They've been a constant support throughout my time here."

Jones would pen an open letter to the United fans on Friday, soon after the news emerged around his contract situation.

"I thought about how best to present my words to everyone and felt that I wanted to reach the fans who have supported me throughout my time at Manchester United," he wrote.

"It’s always tough to leave a club. I did so already with Blackburn Rovers, all those years ago aged only 19, but I could never imagine what was to follow.

:My time at United has been nothing short of incredible. When I decided to leave Blackburn, I always wanted to prove myself further. I’d represented my boyhood club, and lived a dream, but I was desperate to show everyone what I could do at the highest level.

"I had this hunger inside me and I was desperate to continue that at a club that could challenge for everything. I had offers from a few clubs but I was waiting and waiting for the call from United. One day, on holiday, the phone rang from Sir Alex.

"I left my holiday that day, I couldn’t wait to meet him. I couldn’t wait to sign and, most of all, I couldn’t wait to get started. There was only one club where I wanted to continue my journey in the game.

To wear this shirt just once, to wear this badge and represent everyone associated with it, was an honour."

Jones added: "I wish I could have played more. I wish I could have given more to the many squads I played alongside. I will say, from the bottom of my heart, I did everything I could. I did everything the medical team asked of me.

"I never left a stone unturned in the pursuit of living my dream and representing Manchester United on the pitch. I spent some difficult days away from my family, rehabilitating and recovering away from everyone, recuperating away from the training pitch, which I was desperate to get back to.

"I’ve said before that I found it hard to even speak to my team-mates, I was hurt that I couldn’t help them. I was hurt that my family couldn’t see me on the matchdays, you feel like you’re letting people down.

"Sometimes, in life, things happen that we don’t like, but we have to learn to accept it and be at peace in our minds that we did everything we could to overcome the challenges. In your career, and life, that’s all we can really do.

"The road can be rocky and throw you off track. It’s about getting up from setbacks and keeping going. This is a lesson I’ll push into my next challenges, for whatever lies ahead.

"I lived a dream at the biggest club in the world. I played for England in major tournaments. At United, I won trophies, most notably the Premier League under Sir Alex, in his final season."

He went on: "It’s not a time to be sad, it’s a time to look back, for me and my family, and be happy that I managed to live a dream at United. I can always say to my family and friends that not many people get to play for this club, to always be in its history and to be able to look back with such happy memories.

"I wish Erik [ten Hag] and his staff, all the players, the best of luck for the future. He’s building something here and I’ll be watching, supporting and hoping, more than anyone, that he can continue the progress we can all see already.

"I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me at Manchester United, where I’ve made friends for life.

"But, most of all, my family, who stuck by me through everything. The biggest one to my wife and two beautiful girls, I cannot put into words the support you’ve given me. We’ve stuck together and I can’t wait to see what the future holds."