Sir Alex Ferguson’s final Premier League title winning squad at Manchester United had goals from Robin van Persie, midfield steel from Michael Carrick and defensive brilliance from Rio Ferdinand.
United romped home to finish 11 points above second-placed Manchester City in 2013, even with just two wins in the final six matches of the season. It secured Ferguson’s 13th league title in an unparalleled 27-year stint at Old Trafford.
Although many of Ferguson’s trusted lieutenants helped the legendary manager sign off with a bang - the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all enjoyed another title success - there was one player who stood out above all others for the Scot.
“You saw (Phil) Jones tonight,” Ferguson remarked after a 3-0 win against Aston Villa saw United clinch the championship. “I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, no 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.”
Jones made 24 appearances for United in the 2012/13 season, including 17 in the Premier League. Eight of those came at centre-back, another eight playing as a defensive midfielder and the remaining seven came at right-back, highlighting Jones’ incredible versatility.
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The England international clearly made a big impression on Ferguson, who signed off a £16.5million deal to sign him from Blackburn Rovers in 2011. Typically, injuries prevented Jones from playing a greater role in Ferguson’s last campaign in charge.
Fast forward a decade from Ferguson’s retirement and what has happened to Jones’ career is scarcely believable. The player once tipped to be one of United’s best ever by their greatest manager has started two matches in the last three years.
Repeated injuries have taken their toll and Erik ten Hag confirmed earlier this year that Jones has not completed a full training session since the Dutchman was appointed as manager last May, having re-aggravated a knee injury during pre-season.
“The decision about that (Jones’ contract) is for the summer, but for the whole season he's injured,” Ten Hag told the Manchester Evening News in January. He added: “What I can say is that he's not available for training since the first day of training this season so I think there's not an opportunity for you to recover quickly and be available quickly.”
United have opted against exercising the one-year option in Jones’ contract, meaning he will become a free agent in the summer after a 12-year-spell at Old Trafford. Now 31, Jones will leave the Red Devils with 229 appearances to his name as well as Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup triumphs.
“It's been a long road, there's no hiding from that - at times physically and mentally," Jones told Sky Sports recently. “I'm a strong character and I love playing football. I'm doing everything I can to get back on the pitch. When you've had all the issues and injury wise, you know, it's hard to deal with that.
“The club have been absolutely fantastic with me. I think I've had good support around me from family and friends. I'm grateful for that and I want to be back outside.”
