Phil Jones will be leaving Manchester United when his contract expires this summer after a “very difficult” few years due to injuries. Jones, who has been capped 27 times by England, made 229 appearances for United and scored six goals since joining in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers. He was part of the Premier League-winning team in 2012-13 and won the FA Cup in 2016, the League Cup and Europa League in 2017, and the Community Shield in 2011 and 2013. Jones expressed his disappointment at not being able to play more, saying he felt like he was “letting people down” and that he “found it hard to even speak to my team-mates” because he was “hurt that I couldn’t help them”. He credited his family for keeping him focused on getting fit and playing more. His highlight was returning from injury last season in a 3-0 win over Wolves, which he described as a “huge, huge moment” and thanked the fans for their “constant support”. Jones also spoke of his struggles with injury and lockdown, saying he had “been through hell and back” and had broken down in tears. He also described being verbally abused in the street in Hale while out with his two daughters. Manchester United wished Jones the best of luck for the future, while Manager Erik ten Hag praised his career achievements.
