Pundit Blasts Manchester United's Phil Jones - 'I've No Idea How He's Still There'

Former Manchester City and Leeds United right-back Danny Mills says he finds it "bizarre" and "incredible" that Phil Jones is still a Manchester United player.

The 29-year-old went nearly two years without playing a first-team game for United but made a return to the starting XI in the 1-0 defeat to Wolves on Monday.

Jones, having had a nightmare with injuries, came up with a strong showing and received huge praise from former teammate Rio Ferdinand for his display.

The ex England changed his tune from August, when he said Jones was taking the spot of a young player in United's squad.

But Mills is still in disbelief over Jones still plying his trade with United and reckons he needs to leave for pastures new.

"To be honest I have no idea how he’s still at the football club,” he told Football Insider.

"I know he’s had his injury problems but surely he would want to be getting away and playing.

"I just find it bizarre and incredible that he’s still there and hasn’t wanted to leave and go and play, even if that’s a loan deal somewhere.

"He clearly was once a fabulous player but we don’t know if he’s still a fabulous player because he hasn’t played much.

"He needs to play football, he’s not particularly old. Get out and play some football."

Jones, once tipped to become United's greatest ever player by Sir Alex Ferguson, had been struggling with a long-term knee problem.

Image: PA

He built his fitness up and played for the club's Under 23 side before an injury and COVID crisis led to him getting nod from the off at Old Trafford.

After such an arduous journey back, Jones was overcome with emotion when United fans chanted his name - fighting back tears and patting his badge.

Speaking to Team Viewer, Jones said he now "feels like a footballer again" and loved the buzz he experienced.

He said: "I spent so long out, off the pitch and out of the squad – it's been horrible at times, but it's nice to be back out with the lads. I feel like a footballer again.

"I've missed this feeling of being involved with the stadium and the fans there, the excitement, the buzz. It all came flooding back straight away."

Jones' performance proved to be the only real positive from a United perspective and teammate Luke Shaw said the former Blackburn man had every right to "be proud of himself".