Following the news concerning Phil Jones departure from Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag has made an interesting revelation.
Ten Hag disclosed that he only got to see Phil Jones train for 20 minutes this campaign before the central defender had his season blighted by injury.
On Friday, May 19, it was established that Phil Jones, who is Manchester United’s longest-serving player, would exit the Old Trafford club after his 12-year spell.
Jones has been battling niggling injury concerns and has made only five appearances for Manchester United in the previous three-and-a-half years.
Erik Ten Hag was quizzed about the move to release the England International once his current deal comes to an end in June.
In a presser ahead of the game against Bournemouth, when questioned if he had seen Phil Jones train, Ten Hag said: “Yes, 20 minutes, first training of the year!
“He has had a great career, what he achieved. Winning the Premier League, winning the FA Cup, winning Europa League, being present at two World Cups.
“Massive career at Man United. All the credits for his career.”
The exit of Phil Jones from Manchester United would reduce the club’s wage bill in the midst of expected incomings in the summer.
Jones has in the past expressed how Erik Ten Hag made him feel “valued” while working as a TV pundit at Manchester United’s Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United in February.
The Englishman departs Manchester United as one of the club’s most decorated players in recent campaigns as a Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and Carabao Cup winner.
Minutes after the information was released by Manchester United, Phil Jones posted a hearty announcement confirming his departure.
The former Blackburn Rovers defender stated a lot in the letter released as he described how his Journey at Manchester United ended.
He made 229 appearances for Manchester United since he joined the side from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 for a fee of £16 million.
A section of the lengthy letter sent out by Phil Jones on social media reads:
“It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years. There’s no denying that. There is no hiding away from that.
“My family have been absolutely instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow and keeping me focused, to try to get fit and try to play more.”
The England International made 27 appearances for the Three Lions Of England between January 2011 and August 2018.
Although, he hasn’t made an appearance for Manchester United this campaign, Phil Jones is currently injured. He picked up a knee injury on the 27th of April, 2023.
His return date is however uncertain but he is expected to return from his injury layoff obviously as a free agent early June.
