Phil Jones: Man Utd defender to leave in summer after ‘difficult’ few years

Phil Jones made 299 appearances for Manchester United, scoring six goals

Phil Jones will leave Manchester United when his contract expires this summer, after a “very difficult” few years because of injuries.

The 31-year-old, who has been capped 27 times by England, made 229 appearances for United and scored six goals.

The defender joined in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers and was part of the Premier League-winning team in 2012-13.

“I’ve worked tirelessly hard – I literally left no stone unturned,” Jones said in a club interview.

“I tried to get back as quick as I could, every time I was out in the last couple of years.”

His final appearance for United came in a 3-0 win over Brentford at the end of last season, and he has been sidelined with injury during this campaign.

“I wish I could have played more. I wish I could have given more to the many squads I played amongst. I will say, from the bottom of my heart, I did everything I could,” Jones wrote in an open letter to Manchester United fans.

“It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years, there’s no denying that,” he added in his club interview.

“My family have been absolutely instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow and keeping me focused, to try to get fit and try to play more.

“I think the highlight for me would have to be the Wolves game [returning from injury last season], when I came back.

“That was just a moment that I’ll never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it. I mean I worked so, so hard to get to that stage of fitness.

“That was a huge, huge moment in my career and the fans, that day, were incredible. The love that they showed me for that game, the passion that they showed, was sensational.

“I can’t thank them enough for that. They’ve been a constant support throughout my time here.”

During his 12 years at the club, Jones won the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final campaign with United.

He also won the FA Cup in 2016, the League Cup and Europa League in 2017 and the Community Shield in 2011 and 2013.

Manchester United said: “Our number four is now taking some time before deciding his next move.

“Everybody at United would like to wish Phil the very best of luck for the future.”