Alex Ferguson said ‘Phil Jones is going to be phenomenal’ – and that’s the way it’s looking
Now Jose Mourinho is wild about the £16.5million Manchester United player who was mocked for his injury record
PHIL JONES is back — and this time he wants it to be for good.
The forgotten man of Old Trafford has made a stunning return to the heart of Manchester United’s defence over the last month.
Now Jones, 24, is finally ready to live up to the potential Sir Alex Ferguson saw in him.
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Former United boss Fergie paid Blackburn £16.5million for the teenage defender five years ago and predicted: “Jones could be one of our best ever players — he is going to be phenomenal.”
But the player became an emblem of United’s failures over the last two seasons, mocked for his injury record and his facial gestures.
Yet Jones was immense as United beat Spurs 1-0 on Sunday.
He said: “I have always said that if I get a run of games and stay fit, I know what I am capable of.
“I am still learning. I am 24 and the tag of being a young player is no longer with me.
“I need to kick on in terms of playing more games. I have missed a lot over the last couple of years.”
Jones has started United’s last five Premier League games — his longest run since 11 in a row nearly two years ago.
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Wednesday's clash at Crystal Palace will be his seventh start of the season — matching his total for the whole of last term.
And his stint alongside another forgotten man Marcos Rojo at the centre of defence has coincided with United’s recent unbeaten run.
Boss Jose Mourinho said: “They are playing well, playing more than ever and better than ever.
“Injuries have stopped Phil Jones for a long time.
“But he was recovering first with the people he trusted in the medical department, then he was working really hard with one of my guys for around three weeks before he joined us.
“Now he looks fresh and looks sharp and fast.
“Marcos also had problems with injuries and he looks free of it.
“In a period without Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling, when people could be scared, they stepped up. They are playing well and solid so I’m really happy for that.”
Sunday’s win lifted United within six points of rivals City and within three of Tottenham.
Jones added: “It was a big game. Spurs would be nine points above us if we lost, so it was huge.
“We dug in deep and showed a real desire to defend — and we’ll have to defend as well again at Palace.”