Rio Ferdinand has hailed Manchester United defender Phil Jones for his superb performance against Wolves on Monday.
Joao Moutinho broke the deadlock late in the second half to seal a 1-0 win for Wolves at Old Trafford, with Ralf Rangnick suffering his first defeat in charge of United.
Jones was handed a rare start for the Red Devils after United captain Harry Maguire was ruled out of action due to injury.
The 29-year-old United player had been absent from the United first team due to a long-term knee injury.
And Ferdinand claimed last August that former United teammate Jones should have left Old Trafford “ages ago” and injuries had “absolutely annihilated his career.”
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Now, the United legend has changed his tune and praised Jones for putting in a “class” display in his side’s 1-0 defeat to Wolves.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, he said: “For someone to come in from the cold like that, you have to tip your hat to someone like that.
“They’re playing him maybe to put him in the shop window, first and foremost, but if he plays well enough, the manager might change his mind. That can happen in football very quickly.
“I’m just pleased he got through the game unscathed, no injuries. He put in a decent performance after such a long time out, not easy to do. So, you’ve got to tilt your hat to Phil Jones.
“He’s come in for a lot of stick, a lot of my words have been misinterpreted a little bit. But you’ve got to say ‘well done’ in terms of the amount of time he’s been off the pitch, to come in and play in the Premier League and play at the standard he did today.
“Albeit his header was the one that fell to Moutinho’s foot before he scored, but I thought he was class for long periods in the game.”
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According to reports in December 2021, Jones had ‘impressed’ Rangnick in training and the United interim manager may keep hold of him until the end of the season.
Jones, who is under contract with United until 2023, has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford in the January transfer window.
Speaking after the Wolves defeat, Luke Shaw praised Jones for his first appearance since United’s 6-0 win over Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup in January 2020.
Featured Image Credit: Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE/PATopics: Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Adnan Riaz