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Phil Jones (footballer, born 1992)

English footballer

English footballer

FieldValue
namePhil Jones
imagePhil Jones - July 2015 (cropped).jpg
captionJones playing for Manchester United in 2015
full_namePhilip Anthony Jones
birth_date
birth_placePreston, England
height1.80 m
positionDefender, defensive midfielder
youthclubs1Ribble Wanderers
youthyears22002–2009
youthclubs2Blackburn Rovers
years12009–2011
clubs1Blackburn Rovers
caps135
goals10
years22011–2023
clubs2Manchester United
caps2169
goals22
totalcaps204
totalgoals2
nationalyears12009–2010
nationalteam1England U19
nationalcaps14
nationalgoals10
nationalyears22010–2011
nationalteam2England U21
nationalcaps29
nationalgoals20
nationalyears32011–2018
nationalteam3England
nationalcaps327
nationalgoals30

Philip Anthony Jones (born 21 February 1992) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender. Although primarily a centre-back, he was also used as a right-back or defensive midfielder.

Jones began his career at Blackburn Rovers, he joined Manchester United in 2011, where he spent the vast majority of his senior career.

Jones represented England at various levels. He played for the under-19 team in 2009 before making his debut for the under-21 team in 2010. He made his debut for the England senior team in 2011, going on to make 27 appearances. Jones was a part of the England squads for the UEFA Euro 2012, 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

Jones was born in Preston, Lancashire, and grew up in nearby Clayton-le-Woods. He attended Balshaw's CE High School in Leyland, and played for the Ribble Wanderers under-10 team.

Club career

Blackburn Rovers

Jones joined the Blackburn Rovers youth team in 2002. He then joined the senior team for the 2009–10 Premier League season, signing a two-year professional contract. He made his first-team debut for Blackburn after starting the League Cup match against Nottingham Forest on 22 September 2009, in which Blackburn won 1–0. Then in February 2010, he signed a new five-year contract that included a £16 million release clause. Jones made his first Premier League start for Blackburn against Chelsea on 21 March, just a month after turning 18. He was widely praised for his committed and assured performance at centre-back, making several crucial blocks and interceptions as Rovers held the champions to a 1–1 draw at Ewood Park. In the 2009–10 season, he made nine league appearances, and three cup appearances.

The 2010–11 season started in promising fashion with Jones starting in the opening match of the campaign against Everton, and subsequently playing the majority of the club's matches in the first half of the season, albeit in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role. A torn knee cartilage injury in a match against West Ham United in December, threatened to rule him out for the remainder of the season. However, on 19 March 2011, he made his return from injury against Blackpool at Ewood Park coming on as a second-half substitute for Brett Emerton in a 2–2 draw. On 2 April 2011, Jones started a first-team match for the first time in four months against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw. Despite his injury, he played 26 league matches, and two cup matches for Blackburn that season.

Manchester United

At the end of the 2010–11 season, Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing Jones. Alex Ferguson was apparently impressed with Jones' commitment and leadership skills at centre-back when Blackburn held United to a 1–1 draw on the day United clinched the title. On 13 June 2011, United confirmed that they had reached an agreement to sign Jones on a five-year deal for an undisclosed transfer fee believed to be at least £16.5 million; the deal would be finalised upon his return from international duty. He made his debut for the club on the 2011 pre-season tour to the United States, in United's 3–1 victory over Chicago Fire.

Jones made his competitive debut for United as a second-half substitute, replacing Rio Ferdinand in the 2011 FA Community Shield against rivals Manchester City. United were 2–0 behind, but won 3–2. Jones made his league debut a week later, again as a substitute replacing Ferdinand, as United beat West Bromwich Albion 2–1 on the opening weekend. On 10 September, Jones provided two assists for Wayne Rooney in United's 5–0 thumping of Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. Jones started the away match to Liverpool as a box-to-box midfielder, different from his usual centre-back and full-back positions he was accustomed to. Jones scored his first ever senior goal on 3 December in a 1–0 away win against Aston Villa. Jones scored a consolation goal against Basel in a 2–1 Champions League defeat that resulted in United being knocked out of the competition, heading in a loose ball after Federico Macheda's shot had come back off the bar. On 21 December, he suffered a facial injury in an away match against Fulham, however the X-ray showed no serious damage and Jones returned to action in the 3–2 defeat against Blackburn on 31 December.

After suffering a back problem and having a knee operation which kept him out for the start of the 2012–13 season, Jones made his first appearance in an away match against Galatasaray in the Champions League on 20 November. He scored his first goal of the 2013–14 season on 29 October in a 4–0 win against Norwich City in the League Cup. On 10 December, he scored the only goal of the match in a 1–0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the final group-stage match of the Champions League, ensuring United finished top of the group.

On 1 July 2015, Jones signed a new four-year contract with United. On 8 February 2019, he signed a new contract until 2023. On 9 February, Jones assisted Anthony Martial in a 3–0 win over Fulham, his first goal involvement since 2014. On 26 January 2020, he scored in a 6–0 FA Cup win against Tranmere Rovers; it was his first goal for United since March 2014. He then spent 20 months injured, finally returning to training and playing with the reserves in September 2021. In September 2021, Jones opened up on his injury problems, stating "I think as a footballer, as a person, as a human being, that's the lowest I probably ever felt in my life". Following an injury to Harry Maguire, coupled with existing injuries to Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelöf, Jones made his return to first team action in a 1–0 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 3 January 2022, his first appearance in nearly two years. Jones last appearance for the club came when he was substituted on in a 3–0 home win against Brentford on 2 May 2022. Following the appointment of Erik ten Hag, Jones wasn't included in United's 25 man squad for the 2022–23 season; injury resulted in Jones missing the entirety of the season.

On 15 May 2023, United announced that, after a 12-year stint at Old Trafford, Jones would be released by the club at the end of the season. Later that year, in September, he became involved in United's youth teams training sessions at Carrington, as he then announced plans to take courses to earn his coaching badges.

In August 2024, he announced his retirement from playing football, saying that he wanted to move into coaching. In total, he made 229 appearances for United out of which 169 came in the Premier League. Prior to his retirement, he and David de Gea were the only remaining members of the 2012–13 squad that had won the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson's last season as manager.

International career

Jones made his debut for the England under-19 team in the 3–1 win over Turkey on 17 November 2009. He appeared a further three times for the under-19s. He was selected for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Denmark and was made captain by manager Stuart Pearce for the final group stage match against the Czech Republic.

On 5 August 2011, he was called up to the England senior team for the friendly against the Netherlands by Fabio Capello, but did not end up playing as the match was cancelled four days later by the Football Association after riots in London. On 7 October 2011, Jones made his debut for the England senior team in a 2–2 draw against Montenegro in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying. After the match, Capello said Jones was "born with talent", and praised his performance. Jones was named in England's UEFA Euro 2012 squad by Capello's replacement Roy Hodgson. However, he did not make an appearance during the tournament.

On 12 May 2014, Jones was named in England's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Due to a shoulder injury, Hodgson took uncapped defender John Stones as standby for Jones, but he recovered before 2 June deadline. With England's elimination confirmed, Jones was given a tournament debut as a starter in the final group match, helping the team to a clean sheet in a dead rubber 0–0 draw with Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte.

He was named in the 23-man England national team squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He played two matches, both in losses against Belgium in the group stage and third place play-off.

Coaching career

At the beginning of the 2023-24 season, Jones began a coaching role, working with the under-14 and under-18 teams in the Manchester United academy.

Player profile

Style of play

Jones playing for Manchester United in 2015

Known for his physical power and build, Jones has been called a "jack of all trades" for his ability to play at centre-back, right-back or as a defensive midfielder. Despite the suggestion that his best position is centre-back, he often filled in at right-back. With his stocky build, opposition players found it hard to bully Jones off the ball or out-muscle him. His commitment and dedication often made him a difficult opponent to play against, despite his limited technical ability.

Reception

Former Manchester United player Bobby Charlton has said that Jones evoked memories of the late Duncan Edwards, "If you talk to Bobby Charlton", says Paddy Crerand, Charlton's teammate in United's 1967–68 European Cup-winning team, "Phil Jones reminds him of Duncan Edwards with his power and build."

In 2011, England manager Fabio Capello compared Jones to former A.C. Milan and Italy captain Franco Baresi, and former Real Madrid and Spain captain Fernando Hierro.

In 2013, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson offered perhaps the most glowing endorsement of Jones' abilities, saying "The way he is looking, he could be our best ever player. He may be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him. At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. He can play anywhere on the pitch. He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game."

Later assessments of Jones' style were less flattering, with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane deeming Jones "not good at defending or [a] good defender". Jones was described by The Athletic as "someone who has become a running joke for football's LOL generation". In 2019, reflecting on Ferguson's 2013 endorsement of Jones, i noted that "in more than six years Jones has produced more internet memes, as he falls flat on his face or it contorts in an impossible expression, than convincing performances in a Manchester United shirt", while suggesting Ferguson's comments "could well be the biggest error of judgement he ever made in his career". Jones has often defended his career and has extensively talked about the toll the expectations placed on him took on his mental health. He has also stated that despite having achieved his dreams for playing for Blackburn and winning several trophies at United, he often faced insensitive and rude abuse online as well as offline.

Career statistics

Club

ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsTotal3501040colspan=2—colspan=2—400Total1692151121312202296Career total2042161161312202696
Blackburn Rovers2009–10Premier League901020——120
2010–11Premier League2600020——280
Manchester United2011–12Premier League29110109110412
2012–13Premier League170400030—240
2013–14Premier League26100418110393
2014–15Premier League2202000——240
2015–16Premier League100001020—130
2016–17Premier League18020303000260
2017–18Premier League23020000000250
2018–19Premier League180201030—240
2019–20Premier League20112030—81
2020–21Premier League00000000—00
2021–22Premier League40100000—50
2022–23Premier League00000000—00

International

National teamYearAppsGoalsTotal270
England201130
201220
201340
201440
201570
201600
201740
201830

Honours

Manchester United

References

References

  1. (26 June 2020). "Premier League clubs publish 2019/20 retained lists". Premier League.
  2. "Phil Jones: Overview". ESPN.
  3. "P. Jones: Summary". Perform Group.
  4. {{Hugman. 23602
  5. (19 June 2011). "Multi-million pound teen". Leyland Guardian.
  6. "Balshaw's C.E. High School, Leyland". Balshaw's CE High School.
  7. (15 June 2011). "The 'humble young lad' who grew up to be a football star". Lancashire Evening Post.
  8. (13 June 2011). "Manchester United secure deal for Blackburn's Phil Jones".
  9. (4 September 2009). "Jones signs 2-year deal at Rovers". Blackburn Rovers F.C..
  10. (22 September 2009). "Nottm Forest 0–1 Blackburn".
  11. (8 June 2011). "Manchester United set to complete £16m deal for Blackburn's Phil Jones". The Guardian.
  12. Ashenden, Mark. (21 March 2010). "Blackburn 1–1 Chelsea".
  13. (19 March 2011). "Hoilett heroics rescue Rovers".
  14. (21 December 2010). "Blackburn defender Phil Jones faces lengthy absence".
  15. Smith, Rory. (14 June 2011). "Manchester United celebrate Phil Jones transfer triumph but Blackburn claim to have secured inflated fee". The Daily Telegraph.
  16. Bostock, Adam. (13 June 2011). "United seal Jones deal". Manchester United F.C..
  17. Coppack, Nick. (23 July 2011). "Chicago Fire 1 United 3". Manchester United F.C..
  18. Bevan, Chris. (7 August 2011). "Manchester City 2–3 Manchester United".
  19. Chowdhury, Saj. (14 August 2011). "West Brom 1–2 Man Utd".
  20. Da Silva, Michael. (10 September 2011). "Bolton 0–5 Man Utd".
  21. (16 October 2011). "Jones surprised by midfield role".
  22. (3 December 2011). "Aston Villa 0–1 Man Utd".
  23. Ornstein, David. (7 December 2011). "FC Basel 2 Man Utd 1".
  24. (21 November 2012). "Defender Phil Jones delighted to be back in action for Manchester United".
  25. (29 October 2013). "Manchester United 4–0 Norwich City".
  26. (10 December 2013). "Manchester United 1–0 Shakhtar Donetsk".
  27. (29 June 2015). "Phil Jones signs new Manchester United contract until 2019".
  28. (8 February 2019). "Phil Jones: Man Utd defender signs new contract until 2023".
  29. (9 February 2019). "Fulham 0–3 Manchester United".
  30. Stone, Simon. (26 January 2020). "Tranmere 0–6 Manchester United: Reds' fans voice anger during FA Cup win".
  31. "Jones: I see the light at the end of the tunnel".
  32. (19 September 2021). "Phil Jones: Manchester United defender opens up on injury hell". Sky Sports.
  33. (3 January 2022). "Manchester United 0–1 Wolverhampton Wanderers".
  34. Polden, Jake. (13 September 2022). "Erik ten Hag axes Phil Jones from Man Utd Premier League squad as six signings included". Daily Mirror.
  35. Luckhurst, Samuel. (28 January 2023). "Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gives update on Phil Jones". Manchester Evening News.
  36. Luckhurst, Samuel. (15 May 2023). "Manchester United set to release five players".
  37. (6 September 2023). "Phil Jones returns to Manchester United's training ground after leaving club on free transfer this summer". talkSPORT.
  38. (26 September 2023). "Phil Jones confirms new plans after leaving Manchester United in summer". talkSPORT.
  39. (17 August 2024). "Phil Jones: Ex-Manchester United defender targets coaching after retirement".
  40. "Phil Jones". The Football Association.
  41. Bradbury, Jamie. (April 2016}} On 10 August, Jones won his first under-21 [[Cap (sport)). "Rose and Kelly on the mark". The Football Association.
  42. Tongue, Steve. (21 June 2011). "England Under-21s lack character and creativity". The Independent.
  43. Austin, Simon. (5 August 2011). "Man Utd defender Phil Jones included in England squad".
  44. (9 August 2011). "England match against the Netherlands off after riots".
  45. Winter, Henry. (8 October 2011). "Capello praises United's Phil Jones". The Daily Telegraph.
  46. (14 July 2018). "World Cup 2018: Phil Jones is running out of time to shake his tag as England's dead-rubber specialist". The Independent.
  47. (12 May 2014). "World Cup 2014: England name Ross Barkley in squad".
  48. (12 May 2014). "England World Cup squad announcement: 'John Stones will replace Phil Jones if he is not fit by 2 June,' say Roy Hodgson". The Independent.
  49. (20 June 2014). "World Cup 2014: England knocked out of World Cup". BBC Sport.
  50. (24 June 2014). "England end disappointing World Cup with barren draw against Costa Rica". The Guardian.
  51. (16 May 2018). "England World Cup squad: Trent Alexander-Arnold in 23-man squad".
  52. McNulty, Phil. (28 June 2018). "World Cup 2018: England lose 1-0 to Belgium in final group game".
  53. McNulty, Phil. (14 July 2018). "World Cup 2018: England finish fourth after Belgium defeat".
  54. (4 May 2024). "Manchester United just won two trophies with help from Phil Jones - this is how they did it". [[Manchester Evening News]].
  55. (3 October 2023). "Education. Preston born Manchester United star Phil Jones announces new adventure". [[Lancashire Post]].
  56. Okwonga, Musa. (30 January 2015). "Phil Jones' new deal at Man United proves Louis van Gaal's faith in him".
  57. Hubbard, Norman. (21 March 2012). "Jack of all trades, master of none". ESPN.
  58. (10 February 2013). "Phil Jones nullified Everton's main threat, says Robbie Savage".
  59. (12 February 2013). "Real Madrid v Manchester United: Phil Jones and Jonny Evans back in training boosting Alex Ferguson's options". The Daily Telegraph.
  60. (1 October 2011). "Manchester United's Phil Jones: it's flattering to be compared with Duncan Edwards". The Daily Telegraph.
  61. (17 November 2011). "England manager Fabio Capello says Phil Jones reminds him of Franco Baresi and Fernando Hierro". The Daily Telegraph.
  62. Campbell, Paul. (23 April 2013). "Will Phil Jones become a Manchester United great?". The Guardian.
  63. Lewis, Daniel. (14 July 2018). "Roy Keane: 'Danny Rose, Phil Jones are not good defenders'".
  64. Taylor, Daniel. (27 November 2019). "We need to talk about Phil Jones".
  65. Cunningham, Sam. (24 November 2019). "Phil Jones' recurrent meme calamities are milestones for Manchester United's contorted decline". i.
  66. (2024-10-05). "Phil Jones: 'I had to strip everything back - now management is my focus'".
  67. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2009
  68. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2010
  69. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2011
  70. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2012
  71. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2013
  72. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2014
  73. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2015
  74. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2016
  75. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2017
  76. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2018
  77. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2019
  78. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2020
  79. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2021
  80. {{soccerbase season. 52124. 2022
  81. {{NFT player
  82. "Phil Jones: Overview". Premier League.
  83. McNulty, Phil. (21 May 2016). "Crystal Palace 1–2 Manchester United".
  84. Rostance, Tom. (11 August 2013). "Man Utd 2–0 Wigan".
  85. McNulty, Phil. (24 May 2017). "Ajax 0–2 Manchester United".
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