 Jones tonight,' he remarked after the win. '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.' HAVE YOUR SAY! Why did it go wrong for Phil Jones at Man United? Comment below. Indeed, by that point the versatility of the English international was already apparent. He'd served for Ferguson as a right back, centre back, and in central midfield. His ability to adapt had many touting a stellar career b){kind=link}
Sir Alex Ferguson won the 2012/13 Premier League title in his final season as Manchester United manager, but the player he lauded afterwards never fulfilled his potential
Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign was about to end in the manner that defined his Manchester United legacy – by lifting another Premier League title.
Following the 3-0 home win over Aston Villa, naturally, the frenzy centred around the departing Ferguson and Robin van Persie, whose sublime hat trick had lit up the night amid a raucous atmosphere at Old Trafford. And any anxiety from fans over what lay ahead without the iconic Scottish manager was temporarily banished.
But Ferguson, now 81, still had reason to be confident over the future. But when he outlined the star he expected to be at the forefront of continued success at United, it wasn’t Van Persie, or Wayne Rooney, or David de Gea who he billed as one of most talented stars to ever set foot in the club.
A 21-year-old Phil Jones finished with 24 club appearances to his name that season, two years after his £16.5 million move from Blackburn. He’d been restricted to just 17 in the league itself, amid an injury stricken campaign. The latter notion would prove a harrowing prelude for what was to follow.