:Phil Jones (footballer, born 1992)
{{short description|English footballer (born 1992)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Phil Jones
| image = Phil Jones - July 2015 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Jones playing for Manchester United in 2015
| full_name = Philip Anthony Jones{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/1697050 |title=Premier League clubs publish 2019/20 retained lists |publisher=Premier League |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=13 October 2020}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|2|21|df=y}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/140032/phil-jones |title=Phil Jones: Overview |publisher=ESPN |access-date=13 October 2020}}
| birth_place = Preston, England
| height = {{convert|1.80|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/phil-jones/97299/ |title=P. Jones: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=29 October 2018}}
| position = Defender, defensive midfielder
| youthclubs1 = Ribble Wanderers
| youthyears2 = 2002–2009
| youthclubs2 = Blackburn Rovers
| years1 = 2009–2011
| clubs1 = Blackburn Rovers
| caps1 = 35
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2011–2023
| clubs2 = Manchester United
| caps2 = 169
| goals2 = 2
| totalcaps = 204
| totalgoals = 2
| nationalyears1 = 2009–2010
| nationalteam1 = England U19
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2010–2011
| nationalteam2 = England U21
| nationalcaps2 = 9
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2011–2018
| nationalteam3 = England
| nationalcaps3 = 27
| nationalgoals3 = 0
}}
Philip Anthony Jones (born 21 February 1992) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender.
He is known for his time at Manchester United, where he spent the vast majority of his senior career. Before joining Manchester United, Jones played for Blackburn Rovers at both youth and senior levels. Although primarily a centre-back, he was also used as a right-back or defensive midfielder.
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, and represented his country at UEFA Euro 2012, and the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.
Early life
Jones was born in Preston, Lancashire,{{Hugman|23602|access-date=10 June 2018}} and grew up in nearby Clayton-le-Woods.{{cite news |title=Multi-million pound teen |url=http://www.leylandguardian.co.uk/news/local/multi-million-pound-teen-1-3478236 |newspaper=Leyland Guardian |date=19 June 2011 |access-date=2 December 2012}} He attended Balshaw's CE High School in Leyland,{{cite web |url=http://www.balshaws.lancsngfl.ac.uk/index.php?category_id=84 |title=Balshaw's C.E. High School, Leyland |publisher=Balshaw's CE High School |access-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019003754/http://www.balshaws.lancsngfl.ac.uk/index.php?category_id=84 |archive-date=19 October 2014}} and played for the Ribble Wanderers under-10 team.{{cite news |title=The 'humble young lad' who grew up to be a football star |url=http://www.lep.co.uk/news/features_2_1844/the_humble_young_lad_who_grew_up_to_be_a_football_star_1_3479507 |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |location=Preston |date=15 June 2011 |access-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903014015/http://www.lep.co.uk/news/features_2_1844/the_humble_young_lad_who_grew_up_to_be_a_football_star_1_3479507 |archive-date=3 September 2011}}
Club career
=Blackburn Rovers=
Jones joined the Blackburn Rovers youth team in 2002.{{cite news |title=Manchester United secure deal for Blackburn's Phil Jones |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13754461.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=13 June 2011 |access-date=13 June 2011}} He then joined the senior team for the 2009–10 Premier League season, signing a two-year professional contract.{{cite news |title=Jones signs 2-year deal at Rovers |url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10303~1787566,00.html |publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C. |date=4 September 2009 |access-date=23 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916232513/http://www.rovers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10303~1787566%2C00.html |archive-date=16 September 2012}} 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.{{cite news |title=Nottm Forest 0–1 Blackburn |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8256876.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=22 September 2009}} Then in February 2010, he signed a new five-year contract that included a £16 million release clause.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/jun/08/manchester-united-blackburn-phil-jones |title=Manchester United set to complete £16m deal for Blackburn's Phil Jones |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=8 June 2011 |access-date=8 August 2011}} Jones made his first Premier League start for Blackburn against Chelsea on 21 March, just a month after turning 18.{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Ashenden |title=Blackburn 1–1 Chelsea |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8570810.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=21 March 2010 |access-date=21 March 2010}} 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.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} 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.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} 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.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3284717,00.html |website=Sky Sports |title=Hoilett heroics rescue Rovers |date=19 March 2011}} 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.{{cite news |title=Blackburn defender Phil Jones faces lengthy absence |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/9302170.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=21 December 2010 |access-date=22 December 2010}} Despite his injury, he played 26 league matches, and two cup matches for Blackburn that season.
=Manchester United=
File:Philjonesmlsgametwo.jpg in 2011]]
At the end of the 2010–11 season, Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing Jones.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} 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.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} 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;{{Cite news |title=Manchester United celebrate Phil Jones transfer triumph but Blackburn claim to have secured inflated fee |last=Smith |first=Rory |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8573889/Manchester-United-celebrate-Phil-Jones-transfer-triumph-but-Blackburn-claim-to-have-secured-inflated-fee.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8573889/Manchester-United-celebrate-Phil-Jones-transfer-triumph-but-Blackburn-claim-to-have-secured-inflated-fee.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=14 June 2011 |access-date=30 August 2011 |location=London}}{{cbignore}} the deal would be finalised upon his return from international duty.{{cite web |first=Adam |last=Bostock |title=United seal Jones deal |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Jun/manchester-united-seal-jones-deal.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=13 June 2011 |access-date=13 June 2011}} 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.{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Coppack |title=Chicago Fire 1 United 3 |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2011/Tour-2011-News/2011/Jul/chicago-fire-v-manchester-united-report.aspx |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |date=23 July 2011 |access-date=24 July 2011}}
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.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14420151 |title=Manchester City 2–3 Manchester United |first=Chris |last=Bevan |website=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001222113/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14420151 |archive-date=1 October 2013}} 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.{{cite news |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |title=West Brom 1–2 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14435075.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2011 |access-date=15 August 2011}} On 10 September, Jones provided two assists for Wayne Rooney in United's 5–0 thumping of Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Da Silva |title=Bolton 0–5 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14773055.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=10 September 2011 |access-date=11 September 2011}} 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.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11667_7245884,00.html |title=Jones surprised by midfield role |website=Sky Sports |date=16 October 2011 |access-date=16 October 2011}} Jones scored his first ever senior goal on 3 December in a 1–0 away win against Aston Villa.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15901811.stm |title=Aston Villa 0–1 Man Utd |website=BBC Sport |date=3 December 2011 |access-date=3 December 2011}} 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.{{cite news |last=Ornstein |first=David |title=FC Basel 2 Man Utd 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15956703 |access-date=21 May 2018 |website=BBC Sport |date=7 December 2011}} 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.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}
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.{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8263384/ |title=Defender Phil Jones delighted to be back in action for Manchester United |website=Sky Sports |date=21 November 2012 |access-date=28 November 2012}} 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24619369 |title=Manchester United 4–0 Norwich City |website=BBC Sport |date=29 October 2013 |access-date=10 December 2013}} 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25299206 |title=Manchester United 1–0 Shakhtar Donetsk |website=BBC Sport |date=10 December 2013 |access-date=10 December 2013}}
On 1 July 2015, Jones signed a new four-year contract with United.{{cite news |title=Phil Jones signs new Manchester United contract until 2019 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33318960 |website=BBC Sport |date=29 June 2015 |access-date=1 July 2015}} On 8 February 2019, he signed a new contract until 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47169999|title=Phil Jones: Man Utd defender signs new contract until 2023|date=8 February 2019|website=BBC Sport}} On 9 February, Jones assisted Anthony Martial in a 3–0 win over Fulham, his first goal involvement since 2014.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47099269|title=Fulham 0–3 Manchester United|date=9 February 2019|website=BBC Sport |access-date=10 February 2019}} 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.{{Cite news |first=Simon |last=Stone |title=Tranmere 0–6 Manchester United: Reds' fans voice anger during FA Cup win |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51208521 |website=BBC Sport |date=26 January 2020 |access-date=1 February 2020}} He then spent 20 months injured, finally returning to training and playing with the reserves in September 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/phil-jones-discusses-return-from-injury-on-utd-podcast|title=Jones: I see the light at the end of the tunnel|website=www.manutd.com}} 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".{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11667/12411883/phil-jones-manchester-united-defender-opens-up-on-injury-hell|title=Phil Jones: Manchester United defender opens up on injury hell |work=Sky Sports |date=19 September 2021|access-date=19 September 2021}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59798468 |title=Manchester United 0–1 Wolverhampton Wanderers |website=BBC Sport |date=3 January 2022 |access-date=3 January 2022}} 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;{{cite web |last=Polden |first=Jake |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/erik-ten-hag-axes-phil-27991696 |title=Erik ten Hag axes Phil Jones from Man Utd Premier League squad as six signings included |work=Daily Mirror |date=13 September 2022 |access-date=21 February 2023}} injury resulted in Jones missing the entirety of the season.{{cite web |last=Luckhurst |first=Samuel |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/phil-jones-man-united-news-26094802# |title=Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gives update on Phil Jones |work=Manchester Evening News |date=28 January 2023 |access-date=21 February 2023}}
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.{{cite news|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-united-contracts-latest-news-26914807|title=Manchester United set to release five players|first=Samuel|last=Luckhurst|date=15 May 2023|website=Manchester Evening News}} Later that year, in September, he became involved in United's youth teams training sessions at Carrington,{{cite web |url=https://talksport.com/football/1557924/phil-jones-returns-manchester-united-free-transfer-training/ |title=Phil Jones returns to Manchester United's training ground after leaving club on free transfer this summer |publisher=talkSPORT |date=6 September 2023 }} as he then announced plans to take courses to earn his coaching badges.{{cite web |url=https://talksport.com/football/1578879/phil-jones-new-plans-man-united/ |title=Phil Jones confirms new plans after leaving Manchester United in summer |publisher=talkSPORT |date=26 September 2023 }}
In August 2024, he announced his retirement from playing football, saying he wanted to move into coaching.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c79wezyg3q0o|title=Phil Jones: Ex-Manchester United defender targets coaching after retirement|date=17 August 2024|website=BBC Sport}}
International career
File:Phil Jones 2018-06-28 1.jpg at the 2018 FIFA World Cup]]
Jones made his debut for the England under-19 team in the 3–1 win over Turkey on 17 November 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players/J/Phil-Jones |title=Phil Jones |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=5 August 2011}} He appeared a further three times for the under-19s. On 4 August 2010, Jones was called up to the England under-21 squad.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} On 10 August, Jones won his first under-21 cap, starting for England against Uzbekistan. He was substituted in the 46th minute and was replaced by Liverpool's Martin Kelly.{{cite news |first=Jamie |last=Bradbury |title=Rose and Kelly on the mark |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/mens-under-21s/News/match-centre/2010/EnglandvUzbekistan |publisher=The Football Association |date=10 August 2010 |access-date=22 December 2010}} 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/england-under21s-lack-character-and-creativity-2300437.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220526/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/england-under21s-lack-character-and-creativity-2300437.html |archive-date=26 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=England Under-21s lack character and creativity |last=Tongue |first=Steve |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=21 June 2011 |access-date=5 August 2011}}
On 5 August 2011, he was called up to the England senior team for the friendly against the Netherlands by Fabio Capello,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14417828.stm |title=Man Utd defender Phil Jones included in England squad |last=Austin |first=Simon |website=BBC Sport |date=5 August 2011 |access-date=5 August 2011}} but did not end up playing as the match was cancelled four days later by the Football Association after riots in London.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/front_page/14454137.stm |title=England match against the Netherlands off after riots |website=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2011 |access-date=9 August 2011}} 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/8815342/England-manager-Fabio-Capellos-gushing-tributes-for-Phil-Jones-are-too-soon-but-he-could-be-something-special.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/8815342/England-manager-Fabio-Capellos-gushing-tributes-for-Phil-Jones-are-too-soon-but-he-could-be-something-special.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Capello praises United's Phil Jones |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=8 October 2011 |location=London |first=Henry |last=Winter}}{{cbignore}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Ostlere |first1=Lawrence |title=World Cup 2018: Phil Jones is running out of time to shake his tag as England's dead-rubber specialist |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/phil-jones-england-world-cup-2018-belgium-manchester-united-a8447471.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220526/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/phil-jones-england-world-cup-2018-belgium-manchester-united-a8447471.html |archive-date=26 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=26 August 2020 |newspaper=The Independent |date=14 July 2018}}
On 12 May 2014, Jones was named in England's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27362447 |title=World Cup 2014: England name Ross Barkley in squad |website=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2014 |access-date=25 June 2014}} Due to a shoulder injury, Hodgson took uncapped defender John Stones as standby for Jones,{{cite news |last1=Orr |first1=James |title=England World Cup squad announcement: 'John Stones will replace Phil Jones if he is not fit by 2 June,' say Roy Hodgson |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/england-world-cup-squad-announcement-john-stones-will-replace-phil-jones-if-he-is-not-fit-by-2-june-say-roy-hodgson-9357164.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220526/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/england-world-cup-squad-announcement-john-stones-will-replace-phil-jones-if-he-is-not-fit-by-2-june-say-roy-hodgson-9357164.html |archive-date=26 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=12 May 2014}} but he recovered before 2 June deadline.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} With England's elimination confirmed,{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27935803 | title=World Cup 2014: England knocked out of World Cup | work=BBC Sport | date=20 June 2014 }} Jones was given a tournament debut as a starter in the final group match, helping the team to a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw with Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte.{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Daniel |title=England end disappointing World Cup with barren draw against Costa Rica |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/24/costa-rica-england-world-cup-group-d-match-report |access-date=25 June 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=24 June 2014}}
He was named in the 23-man England national team squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44138600 |title=England World Cup squad: Trent Alexander-Arnold in 23-man squad |website=BBC Sport |date=16 May 2018 |access-date=17 May 2018}} He played two matches, both against Belgium (in the group stage and third place play-off), and both ended in defeat.{{cite web |last=McNulty |first=Phil |title=World Cup 2018: England lose 1-0 to Belgium in final group game |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44439312 |website=BBC Sport |date=28 June 2018}}{{cite web |last=McNulty |first=Phil |title=World Cup 2018: England finish fourth after Belgium defeat |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44748604 |website=BBC Sport |date=14 July 2018}}
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.{{cite news |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-united-academy-phil-jones-29076756 |title=Manchester United just won two trophies with help from Phil Jones - this is how they did it |first1=Steven |last1=Railston |date=4 May 2024 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News }}{{cite news |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/education/preston-born-manchester-united-star-phil-jones-announces-new-adventure-4357843 |title=Education. Preston born Manchester United star Phil Jones announces new adventure |date=3 October 2023 |first1=Aimee |last1=Seddon |newspaper=Lancashire Post }}
Player profile
=Style of play=
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.{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/manchester-united/360/blog/post/2508594/phil-jones-extension-at-man-united-louis-van-gaal-approval |title=Phil Jones' new deal at Man United proves Louis van Gaal's faith in him |first=Musa |last=Okwonga |website=ESPN FC |date=30 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819101923/http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/manchester-united/360/blog/post/2508594/phil-jones-extension-at-man-united-louis-van-gaal-approval |archive-date=19 August 2017}} Despite the suggestion that his best position is centre-back, he often filled in at right-back.{{cite news |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/1038657/norman-hubbard-phil-jones-a-jack-of-all-trades |title=Jack of all trades, master of none |first=Norman |last=Hubbard |publisher=ESPN |date=21 March 2012 |access-date=14 December 2017}} With his stocky build, opposition players found it hard to bully Jones off the ball or out-muscle him.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21405819 |title=Phil Jones nullified Everton's main threat, says Robbie Savage |website=BBC Sport |date=10 February 2013}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/9864738/Real-Madrid-v-Manchester-United-Phil-Jones-and-Jonny-Evans-back-in-training-boosting-Alex-Fergusons-options.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/9864738/Real-Madrid-v-Manchester-United-Phil-Jones-and-Jonny-Evans-back-in-training-boosting-Alex-Fergusons-options.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Real Madrid v Manchester United: Phil Jones and Jonny Evans back in training boosting Alex Ferguson's options |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 February 2013}}{{cbignore}}
=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."{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8799563/Manchester-Uniteds-Phil-Jones-its-flattering-to-be-compared-with-Duncan-Edwards.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8799563/Manchester-Uniteds-Phil-Jones-its-flattering-to-be-compared-with-Duncan-Edwards.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Manchester United's Phil Jones: it's flattering to be compared with Duncan Edwards |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=1 October 2011}}{{cbignore}}
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.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/8895082/England-manager-Fabio-Capello-says-Phil-Jones-reminds-him-of-Franco-Baresi-and-Fernando-Hierro.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/8895082/England-manager-Fabio-Capello-says-Phil-Jones-reminds-him-of-Franco-Baresi-and-Fernando-Hierro.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=England manager Fabio Capello says Phil Jones reminds him of Franco Baresi and Fernando Hierro |date=17 November 2011 |access-date=8 May 2014 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}{{cbignore}}
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."{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/apr/23/phil-jones-manchester-united-ferguson |title=Will Phil Jones become a Manchester United great? |newspaper=The Guardian |last=Campbell |first=Paul |date=23 April 2013 |access-date=9 January 2022 }}
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".{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/world-cup/news/keane-rose-jones-are-not-good-defenders_330618.html |title=Roy Keane: 'Danny Rose, Phil Jones are not good defenders' |website=Sportsmole.co.uk |last=Lewis |first=Daniel |date=14 July 2018 |access-date=9 January 2022 }} Jones was described by The Athletic as "someone who has become a running joke for football's LOL generation".{{cite web |url=https://theathletic.co.uk/1403244/2019/11/27/we-need-to-talk-about-phil-jones/ |title=We need to talk about Phil Jones |website=The Athletic |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |date=27 November 2019 |access-date=9 January 2022 }} 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".{{cite web| url = https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/phil-jones-manchester-united-sheffield-united-errors-sir-alex-ferguson-quote-366840| title = Phil Jones' recurrent meme calamities are milestones for Manchester United's contorted decline |last=Cunningham |first=Sam |newspaper=i |location=London |date=24 November 2019 |access-date=9 January 2022 }}
Career statistics
=Club=
| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||||
| rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League !colspan=2|FA Cup !colspan=2|League Cup !colspan=2|Continental !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan=3|Blackburn Rovers
|2009–10{{soccerbase season|52124|2009|access-date=10 April 2016}} |9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 12 | 0 | |||
| 2010–11{{soccerbase season|52124|2010|access-date=10 April 2016}}
|Premier League |26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 28 | 0 | |||
| colspan=2|Total
!35||0||1||0||4||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||40||0 | ||||||||||||
| rowspan=13|Manchester United
|2011–12{{soccerbase season|52124|2011|access-date=10 April 2016}} |Premier League |29 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9{{efn|Six appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 1 | 1{{efn|name=FACS|Appearance in FA Community Shield}} | 0 | 41 | 2 | |
| 2012–13{{soccerbase season|52124|2012|access-date=10 April 2016}}
|Premier League |17 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}} | 0 | colspan=2|— | 24 | 0 | ||
| 2013–14{{soccerbase season|52124|2013|access-date=10 April 2016}}
|Premier League |26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 8{{efn|name=UCL}} | 1 | 1{{efn|name=FACS}} | 0 | 39 | 3 | |
| 2014–15{{soccerbase season|52124|2014|access-date=10 April 2016}}
|Premier League |22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 24 | 0 | |||
| 2015–16{{soccerbase season|52124|2015|access-date=6 September 2016}}
|Premier League |10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan=2|— | 13 | 0 | ||
| 2016–17{{soccerbase season|52124|2016|access-date=20 July 2017}}
|Premier League |18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | |
| 2017–18{{soccerbase season|52124|2017|access-date=14 July 2018}}
|Premier League |23 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0 | |
| 2018–19{{soccerbase season|52124|2018|access-date=13 October 2020}}
|Premier League |18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan=2|— | 24 | 0 | ||
| 2019–20{{soccerbase season|52124|2019|access-date=13 October 2020}}
|Premier League |2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3{{efn|name=UEL}} | 0 | colspan=2|— | 8 | 1 | ||
| 2020–21{{soccerbase season|52124|2020|access-date=11 November 2020}}
|Premier League |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2021–22{{soccerbase season|52124|2021|access-date=2 May 2022}}
|Premier League |4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 5 | 0 | ||
| 2022–23{{soccerbase season|52124|2022|access-date=2 May 2022}}
|Premier League |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 0 | 0 | ||
| colspan=2|Total
!169||2||15||1||12||1||31||2||2||0||229||6 | ||||||||||||
| colspan=3|Career total
!204||2||16||1||16||1||31||2||2||0||269||6 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year{{NFT player |id=44791 |name=Jones, Phil |accessdate=13 October 2020}} | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="8" |England
|2011 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 3 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total||27||0 |
Honours
Manchester United
- Premier League: 2012–13{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/3820/Phil-Jones/overview |title=Phil Jones: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=14 December 2017}}
- FA Cup: 2015–16{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36292265 |title=Crystal Palace 1–2 Manchester United |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=21 May 2016 |access-date=12 April 2017}}
- FA Community Shield: 2011, 2013{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23565298 |title=Man Utd 2–0 Wigan |first=Tom |last=Rostance |website=BBC Sport |date=11 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114040746/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23565298 |archive-date=14 January 2016}}
- UEFA Europa League: 2016–17{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40004559 |title=Ajax 0–2 Manchester United |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2017 |access-date=14 December 2017}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{UEFA player}}
- {{FIFA player}}
{{Navboxes
| title = England squads
| bg = white
| fg = #CF081F
| bordercolor = #0B0B3F
| list1 =
{{England squad UEFA Euro 2012}}
{{England squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{England squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jones, Phil}}
Category:People from Clayton-le-Woods
Category:Footballers from Preston, Lancashire
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Blackburn Rovers F.C. players
Category:Manchester United F.C. players
Category:Premier League players
Category:UEFA Europa League–winning players
Category:England men's youth international footballers
Category:England men's under-21 international footballers
Category:England men's international footballers
Category:UEFA Euro 2012 players
Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players