The rise of Phil Jones, and his growing importance in United's midfield

After lengthy speculations in the summer of 2011, when Manchester United splashed the cash on 19-year old Blackburn academy product Phil Jones, fans had mixed reactions. Some were delighted at the new young prospect, while there were others who were indifferent and wished for the signing of a stronger, more Herculean figure in the backline. However, this lad has justified his price tag, and with his sensational man-marking and anchorman abilities in the middle of the park, has made a real name for himself at a very young age.

Ferguson’s decision to sign him arises from several factors. United had seen an era of no nonsense defending from the Ferdinand-Vidic pair. However, as both have grown in age and are increasingly injury-prone, the onus now falls on Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, who despite showing promise cannot be tipped to replace the proven pair. Moreover, no one seemed to be capable enough to be the ‘brute’ of the team in the middle of the park since the departure of the intimidating Roy Keane. The gaffer seemingly wished to bridge the gap with this move, with the future in mind.

To everybody’s surprise, Jones didn’t struggle for a place in the squad or warm the benches. The very first season, despite a sheer lack of experience, he started 31 matches and had 6 substitute appearances, which can be attributed to his versatility and the way he kept the momentum going till the final blow of the whistle. What seemed even more amazing was how the youngster fit in well at any position on the park and lunged ahead with the ball whenever he wanted to push the play forward. He even fit well into his now favourite central defensive midfield role during United’s midfield crisis.

Also a fact which stands out is Jones’ ability to man-mark high value targets on the field. We could discuss two recent scenarios in this light, when United played Everton and had an epic battle against Real Madrid.

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 13: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid clashes with Phil Jones of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 13, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Everton away fixture had seen United lose out to the Toffees via a Fellaini bullet header. The reverse fixture saw Phil Jones rise to the occasion and keep Fellaini in his pocket. Fellaini was forced to drift out to the left wing position at times too, but he could never make an impact on the game and had to drop so deep that he could never contribute even when Everton advanced in attack. The Real Madrid game saw Jones do the Herculean task of keeping Ronaldo quiet. He was ready to throw his body on the line whenever there was the need to, and produced a superb block when Ronaldo almost scored his second goal in added time at the Bernabeu.

Great things are expected of Jones in the future. He has a leader in him; even without the armband, he brings in the ‘rock in the raging sea’ effect, barking orders, intimidating opponents and bossing the midfield. United have been heavily linked with midfield enforcers like Kevin Strootman and Victor Wanyama. Jones may lack Roy Keane’s goalscoring skills, but so do Wanyama and Strootman. If Jones stays fit and is not plagued by injuries, then he is really set for big things at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, and Sir Alex may actually have signed two quality players in one.