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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Oliver King & Liam Wood

Roy Keane shares brutal Phil Jones assessment after Manchester United decision vs Liverpool

Roy Keane has shared a typically brutal and honest assessment on Phil Jones after Manchester United recalled the rarely-used defender at Anfield tonight. Jones was one of four alterations to the United starting XI as Ralf Rangnick opted for a back-five against bitter rivals Liverpool.

Missing five players through injury and Cristiano Ronaldo due to personal reasons, United named Jones in their side for only the second time this season. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Nemanja Matic and Marcus Rashford also came in as Alex Telles, summer signing Jadon Sancho and Jesse Lingard were withdrawn to the substitutes bench.

It was an eye-catching selection from Rangnick, who was clearly aware of the immense attacking threat Liverpool pose through Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and the others. United also suffered a humiliating 5-0 reverse when the teams met in the corresponding Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.

READ MORE: Ralf Rangnick explains why Chelsea fixture change is bad for Manchester United

Reacting to seeing Jones flash up on screen, Keane said: "If you go with a back three or back five it gives you that false sense of security. Phil Jones has come into it. Listen, we all know about his injury problems.

"This is his fourth start in three seasons. Pfft. Good luck with that."

Speaking on the same Sky Sports panel, fellow pundit Gary Neville said: " I'm surprised that Phil Jones has come in, but he has seen this fixture before and I think it makes them a little bit more solid."

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