Manchester United defender Phil Jones reportedly decided against having a testimonial because no one would go
Phil Jones will celebrate 10 years at Manchester United in 2021.
The 27-year-old was one of the most highly rated defenders in English football when he joined the club for £16.5million from Blackburn.
However, it could be argued he has failed to fulfil his potential in 220 appearances for United and has received plenty of criticism from his own fans along the way.
And say Jones requested against a testimonial to celebrate his 10th year with the club when signing his new contract in February, joking that only his mum and dad would attend, asking: “Who else would turn up?”
Jones is behind Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Axel Tuanzebe and Marcos Rojo in the pecking order at Old Trafford and the return to fitness of Eric Bailly could push him further down.
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The England centre-half started his first Premier League game of the season in United’s 3-3 draw with Sheffield United last weekend.
However, he was replaced by Jesse Lingard at half-time with United trailing by two goals.
Jones endured a difficult first-half at Bramall Lane, allowing Lys Mousset to easily outmuscle him as the striker pulled the ball back to John Lundstram, whose shot was saved by David de Gea, before John Fleck converted the rebound to give the Blades a 19th minute lead.
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Despite winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League with United, Jones is likely to be remembered for his hilarious facial expressions during games rather than his winners’ medals.
He is currently United’s second longest serving player behind Chris Smalling, who was sent on loan to Roma in August.
And Jones could follow Smalling out of the door next summer if his playing time does not improve.