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Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Dunn has told The Sun that Erik ten Hag should look to keep Phil Jones at Manchester United for his never-say-die attitude.
Jones, 30, has found game time hard to come by over recent seasons at Old Trafford with injury problems plaguing his career.
The United centre-back made eight appearances last season, becoming emotional in his first match in 708 days during a 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in January.
The club recently roped in left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. The new United manager is set to ring a few more changes at Old Trafford with the club interested in Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
This has led to question marks over the future of a number of defensive players, including Jones.
However, the Englishman's former Blackburn teammate David Dunn believes the Manchester United boss will want to keep the veteran defender at the club:
“There are times when some players maybe won’t go out and give their all, that’s never the case with him."
Dunn continued,
“That’s why he has picked up injuries but I see that attitude as a positive and, as a coach, I’d want it in my dressing room. I’m sure Ten Hag will think the same. I know he’s had injuries but for all the problems he is still only 30 and don’t forget, that means he hasn’t got the miles on his legs.”
Jones has made 229 appearances across all competitions for United since his debut in 2011, scoring six goals. His time at Old Trafford has seen him win several accolades, including the Premier League in 2013, the FA Cup in 2016 and the Europa League in 2016-17.
Should Manchester United look to keep Phil Jones?
Manchester United have been criticized over the years for their poor handling of their squad, particularly with regard to those on the outskirts of first-team action.
The likes of Jones, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly and Andreas Pereira somehow remained as United players despite rarely featuring.
Mata, Lingard and Pereira have now departed and although Jones' comeback from injury is admirable, perhaps he would be better off elsewhere.
With ten Hag actively looking for new defensive options, Jones' chances of a first-team appearance arguably look slimmer.
He has already played second fiddle to the likes of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.
Should Manchester United manage to strike a deal with Ajax for Lisandro Martinez, it would further cast doubt on Jones' place in the Red Devils side.
Does the defender want to play a bit-part role at the back end of his career?
Or should he make a move elsewhere to gain more first-team action and perhaps fight for a place in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad?
It remains to be seen whether he's ready to throw in the towel, with Leeds United having reportedly shown an interest.
