MANCHESTER UNITED are better WITH Phil Jones in the starting XI – despite his horror show against City.
Jones, 27, was slammed by Red Devils supporters on Tuesday night after his side’s dreadful 3-1 loss against their rivals in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg.
Man Utd are better with Phil Jones in the team, according to the stats
The former Blackburn defender was called “dreadful” and urged to “retire” after being run ragged at Old Trafford, but the stats tell a slightly different story.
But since the start of last season, United actually boast a far superior win percentage with Jones in the team.
In those 18 months, the Red Devils have had 85 matches – with Jones playing just 30 of those.
However, United have won an impressive 57 per cent of those games and lost just SEVEN.
Without Jones in the line-up, the Old Trafford giants have won just 23 of their 55 games (42 per cent), losing 17.
Sir Alex Ferguson brought the 27-cap England international to Manchester in 2011 for a £17million fee – with the Scottish boss quick to pile praise on him.
Two years after signing him, Fergie called him a potential club legend of the future, saying: “Jones, arguably the way he is looking, could be our best ever player.
“I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, not matter where we play him.
“At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch.
“He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game. He has a drive about him.”
Now into his NINTH season at Old Trafford, Jones has only played 164 times in the league, scoring twice.
Despite his indifferent form, Jones signed a new contract in February 2019 and is set to remain at the club until at least June 2023.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
