Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged Phil Jones to leave the club before the end of the transfer window.
Jones has survived at Man United since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, despite not having been in starting contention for several years.
A string of injury problems, combined with a stunting in his development, have seen Jones become a forgotten figure at Old Trafford.
Still, the now 29-year-old was allowed to keep the Red Devils’ no. 4 shirt, rather than passing it over to new arrival Raphael Varane.
Jones has seriously outstayed his welcome, with even Man United legend and former teammate Rio Ferdinand saying it how it is.
Ferdinand said during the latest edition of Vibe With FIVE:
“He’s taking up a youth team player’s position in that squad right now. He’s had too many injuries now. I was in the same team as Phil Jones.”
“He came from Blackburn as a young kid and everyone was saying he was going to be this great player. Huge potential but injuries have absolutely annihilated his career and then confidence issues at certain times as well.”
“He’s never been able to fully establish himself in the team. Whether it’s injuries, lack of form, lack of confidence. I think he should’ve gone ages ago.”
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BenchWarmers’ view
Rio is a Man United fan first and cares a great deal about the club where he spent the bulk of his professional career.
While the club have made forward strides under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, they are still clinging onto a significant amount of deadwood, Jones included.
In order for Man United to take the next step up, they need to get players like Jones off their wage bill.
Whether they’ll be successful in achieving that between now and the end of the transfer window remains to be seen.