England international Phil Jones has committed his long-term future to Manchester United by signing a fresh four-year contract. The central defender has been with the Red Devils for the past eight-and-a-half seasons and he has now penned a deal until the summer of 2023 with the option for a further 12 months.
Jones had divided opinion among the United faithful over the past few seasons with concerning regarding his form and fitness levels. However, the board have still backed the Englishman with a new long-term deal with the hope that he can produce the best form during the prime of his professional career.
The former Blackburn Rovers graduate had been the preferred choice under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when the Norwegian first took temporary charge of the club but of late, Eric Bailly has managed to jump ahead of him on the pecking order to partner Victor Lindelof at the heart of the defence. United are currently occupying the fifth position on the league standings and they are within striking distance off the top four with just two points separating them from Chelsea, who are just ahead.
United are widely expected to get the three points over relegation-threatened Fulham this weekend and this may potentially lift them to the fourth position ahead of Chelsea, who face a tough trip to league leaders Manchester City. Meanwhile, Jones may have to contend with a bench role, given the impress partnership of Bailly and Lindelof over the past few games.