In 2013, the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that Phil Jones could become one of Manchester United's 'best ever' players.
However, it's fair to say the Englishman hasn't...quite reached those heights.
Jones has found himself at the bottom of the centre-back pecking order this season at Old Trafford, having started just five matches in all competitions for the Red Devils in 2019/20. However, he was taken off at half time in two of these five games...
Here it is... the #MUFC starting XI to face City in our #CarabaoCup semi-final first leg!
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) 7 January 2020
Most recently, he suffered another nightmare evening during his side's 3-1 defeat to rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup first leg on Tuesday evening.
Despite his
8. On-the-Floor Header vs Arsenal (17/05/2015)
Phil Jones today pic.twitter.com/Prwug1uUzH
— FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) May 17, 2015
7. Own Goal vs Newcastle (04/01/2012)
6. Penalty vs Sunderland (22/01/2014)
5. Own Goal vs Tottenham (31/01/2018)
We've already seen one own goal, but what about another?
Christian Eriksen gave Tottenham the lead in just the first minute at Wembley Stadium, but Phil Jones helped make it two with 28 minutes on the clock.
A low ball was driven in by Kieran Trippier and Jones produced the deftest of touches to fire the ball in at the near post. Oh wait.
Jones went and stood behind the goal and hung his head as he thought about what had just happened. What a finish though, right?
4. Taking Out Jordan Henderson (22/03/2015)
3. Getting Completely Outdone by Kevin de Bruyne (07/01/2020)
City are running riot!
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 7, 2020
An own goal has extended their lead to 3-0 before half-time at Old Trafford.
Watch on Sky Sports Football or follow here: https://t.co/vKpD6NYij8 pic.twitter.com/YQFQQNM9BP
Most recently, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men were comfortably swept aside by rivals Manchester City in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Old Trafford.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring with a stunning strike but, while that was an outstanding goal, it was Jones who simply stood and watched to allow the Portuguese the time and space to line up his shot.
Jones was at it once again for the third goal, getting completely fooled by Kevin de Bruyne. Remember Jerome Boateng against Lionel Messi? It was that, except this time the ball ricocheted off Andreas Pereira (also not very good) and past David de Gea.
With it now being revealed that Harry Maguire could be out for a 'sustained' period, it could mean more game time for Jones. What could possibly go wrong, eh?
2. Being Shrugged Off by Lys Mousset (24/11/2019)
On his first Premier League start of the season, Jones was pulled off at half time after an abysmal display against Sheffield United in November.
United were under pressure in the opening exchanges and they soon found themselves 1-0 down after Lys Mousset shrugged off Phil Jones - with ease.
The centre-back was first to the loose ball and had a number of options. Instead, he got caught thinking and Mousset came rushing in to ease him out of the way and racing through. By the time the United defender had stood back up, the ball was in the back of the net.
Impressive stuff.
1. Own Goal vs Valencia (12/12/2018)
Oh dear... This is turning into a bit of a disaster for Man Utd
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 12, 2018
A Phil Jones own goal from outside the box makes it 2-0 to Valencia... pic.twitter.com/Mm0PHRmq47
The number one.
On this occasion, Phil Jones became the first Manchester United player to score an own goal in the Champions League since...? Yep, you guessed it, Philllllllll Jones!
United travelled to take on Valencia knowing that they had already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition, meaning manager Jose Mourinho made a number of changes to his side. However, they still needed to secure first place in the group and could do so with a win.
The hosts took the lead on 17 minutes through Carlos Soler, before doubling their lead just two minutes into the second half. Soler played a through ball, which Jones appeared to be in full control of...until, in the blink of an eye, the ball was in the back of the net.
The centre-back failed to communicate with goalkeeper Sergio Romero, nor did he bother to look up to see his keeper coming out. Instead, he opted to slide the ball past the onrushing Romero and into his own net.
Marcus Rashford pulled one back for United, but the damage had been done. They had to settle for second in the group.
Source : 90min