Why Manchester United's Phil Jones is Nemanja Vidic’s natural successor

Phil Jones

Nemanja Vidic is the perfect example of a great captain. A fantastic defender, arguably one of the world’s best at his peak, Vidic is a model professional. He is dedicated to his job and his team. At his peak, the Serbian was a defender that no one liked to challenge. He even wanted to quit football to go to war with his country. Incredible.

It was always going to be a struggle to replace the imposing centre-back as captain. A man so fiercely passionate would always be tough to follow. Basing this on time spent with United and seniority, logical choices could be a number of players – Rooney, Fletcher, Carrick… but are any of these the right choice for Manchester United?

PL 2013/14

Wayne Rooney’s passion and ferocity is evident, but it would hardly be a smart move to make him captain. The Englishman is too vocal about United’s failings and seems to view himself as too important. Linked to City in 2010 and to Chelsea as recently as summer 2013, Rooney would not be beneficial to the club as a whole if he was made captain.

For me, a captain does not have to be playing every week. It is still possible to have leadership qualities when you aren’t always playing. Darren Fletcher could potentially be a great success if he was to take over from Vidic. Fletcher is a gifted midfielder who seems to inspire United whenever he plays and on top of this, Fletcher joined the club when he was a teenager and as such ranks among the most qualified at the club.

Michael Carrick is another that could be considered. Solid, consistent performances have seen Carrick regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League last season, although injuries have stopped him recapturing this form. A long shot for the armband but don’t rule him out.

Regardless of these players, I believe it should be Phil Jones who takes both Vidic’s place at centre-back as well as the captaincy. Is he too young? Why should that matter? Sir Alex Ferguson previously called Jones ‘captain material’ so next season would be the perfect time to let him prove Ferguson correct. Jones, although he has been used in three different positions, shows adept ability as a centre-back. He is the ideal captain, the closest United have to Nemanja Vidic. Jones is a strong tackler, he is passionate and is willing to put his body on the line every time he steps onto the pitch. The 21-year-old is vocal and is clearly a natural leader. In my eyes, he is the best candidate.

Jones’ lack of experience may hinder his chances, but giving him the captaincy would aid his development and give him an opportunity to show why Sir Alex said Jones could become United’s best ever player.