PHIL JONES was named on the bench as Manchester United held on for a draw away at Chelsea.
It was the first time the centre-back had been named in a Premier League matchday squad in 650 DAYS – which also came away at Chelsea.
Jones did not come on – meaning he is still without an appearance since a home defeat to Burnley in January 2020, some 671 days ago.
Jones has been blighted by injury for several months with a meniscus issue keeping him on the sidelines.
His lack of game time has even resulted in abuse from some sections of the United fan base.
And it has led the club to consider selling him with 13 clubs linked including Watford and Newcastle.
But Jones’ inclusion at Stamford Bridge was not the only eyebrow-raiser.
Michael Carrick made the bold move to drop Cristiano Ronaldo in a change of formation.
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Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford started in attack with a midfield of Bruno Fernandes, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Fred.
Gary Neville also claimed it was Rangnick who had selected the team, despite not being officially appointed.
He said on Twitter: “A lot of people having a go at Michael Carrick for dropping Ronaldo and picking that midfield.
“I’ve a feeling the incoming manager has picked that team as it’s a huge departure from midweek and what they’ve been doing.”
United’s defensive set up worked, with the Red Devils grabbing a point against the in-form Blues despite Chelsea dominating possession and chances.
Sancho scored a goal on the break after an awful error by Jorginho – with the midfielder later making up for the howler with a penalty.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
