Manchester United’s Phil Jones could cause more pain for Tottenham Hotspur

Phil Jones (R)

Remember the chant Manchester City fans used to sing about the fact they’d signed ‘Kun Ageuro’ around the same time United bought young Phil Jones from Blackburn. The song that was meant to highlight the difference in class of the two side’s signings is seldom heard by the Blue half of Manchester now. And if recent performances are anything to go by, it won’t be heard again.

The idea that United are weak in midfield is old news now and even the most ardent Red will admit one of the mysteries of recent years is how the champions have stayed competitive while having only one established, consistent midfielder in Michael Carrick.

Marouanne Fellaini- so far- hasn’t been the answer with a series of performances that have at times been almost painful to watch, although naturally like any right-minded fan I’m more than aware he’s barely had time to change his delivery address. One thing United and David Moyes don’t have in abundance is time, the new boss has to get results every week as even a couple of dropped points brings about question marks as to whether he’s the right man for the job. Thankfully Moyes seems to have found the perfect instant answer to his midfield conundrum in Jones who could prove key against Spurs’ expensive stars.

It’s almost gone unnoticed this season that the United midfielder- and occasional defender- has become extremely adept at retaining possession- something United will need at White Hart Lane even more so with Michael Carrick expected to be out.

What’s even more impressive is when we compare Jones’ passing stats to those midfielders likely to be on the pitch on Sunday we realise that the England man is second only to Moussa Dembele in the accuracy stakes.

It isn’t just retaining possession where Jones could prove key as unlike some of his team mates- mentioning no names including that of Tom Cleverley- the former Blackburn man is adept at breaking down the oppositions attacks.

As one would expect with a midfielder – turned defender- or is it the other way round? Defending isn’t a problem for Jones and with Spurs desperate to silence some of the critics who’ve lambasted their negativity this season the United youngster could prove key to preventing the home side getting any sort of rhythm going.

Moyes has already seen Jones shine in midfield this season- in the first half against Arsenal- and the United boss will be hoping for a similar performance this Sunday.