Poor Phil Jones.
Widely tipped as being a future mainstay in the England defence as a youngster, Manchester United fans were impressed by his early performances for the club after his arrival from Blackburn in 2011.
Unfortunately for him, injuries have hampered his time at Old Trafford, denying him the chance to establish himself as a regular fixture in United’s defence.
But as United face Swansea on Saturday afternoon, Phil Jones came in from the cold. Having yet to make an appearance for Jose Mourinho’s United, Jones – who only returned to training last week – was named in the starting lineup for the trip to the Liberty Stadium.
However, the sight of his name alongside Marcos Rojo in the heart of the United backline didn’t exactly fill United supporters with confidence.
https://twitter.com/_harry_gibson_/status/795269329147273216
https://twitter.com/Jay_Is_That_Guy/status/795270263847809024
All I need is for Phil Jones to resume his legendary corner taking role & I'll find my way to a nearby cemetery.
— Andrew the Abstract (@MunhengaWenungu) November 6, 2016
Many were simply surprised to see his name on the team sheet…
https://twitter.com/BigTox_TN/status/795269449280614401
Others were predicting that the England international’s afternoon would be over before a ball had even been kicked…
Phil Jones to be injured in the minutes silence #RequestABet
— Hamzah (@HamzahBargit) November 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/TheRealMarkElly/status/795269372541599744
Others were taking a far more positive outlook on the situation…
Phil jones to score a bicycle kick in the 98th minute
— MR J (-_•) 🔰 #Glazersout (@MrJ7190) November 6, 2016
United head into the game without a Premier League win in their last four outings and off the back of a Europa League defeat away at Fenerbahce on Thursday night.
Mourinho’s predecessor Louis van Gaal lost three of his four meetings with the Welsh side, so the Portuguese will be keen to make an impression at the Liberty Stadium.
You can catch up on the latest episode of JOE’s Football Friday Live right here…
