Man United have signed the talented young England under 21 centre back, Phil Jones.
What does this mean for Johnny Evans? Is he to deputize for 4 players in his position now? Or will be asked to increase his skill set and play at left or right back (the same as Wes Brown was)? There is no questioning his ability. He is a very good young defender who has possibly had a “off” season. 2 seasons ago when Man United set the record for consecutive clean sheets (17), Evans was starting next to our reliable Serb, Nemanja Vidic for most of those games with Rio out injured. He proved that he had the ability and composure to handle the pressure of the “big time”. Roy Keane attempted to make his previous season’s loan signing at Sunderland a permanent fixture at the Stadium of Light before the start to the new season, and was prepared to break the bank to sign Evans 3, but SAF insisted on keeping him. SAF was even happy to let, now world cup winner, Gerrard Pique leave back to Barcelona. That shows you the faith that Sir Fergi has in his ability...
Chris Smalling is now the the 3rd choice behind Vida and Rio. And rightfully so. The boy was wonderful last season. He had stand our performances against Man City, Marseille and Chelsea, to name a couple. He really did show the composure, positioning and patience to prove that he is the future at Old Trafford, and possibly the next Rio Ferdinand.
So that leads me on to the new boy, Phil Jones. A wonderful signing for the future. He has already got a understanding with Chris Smalling, because they play together at under 21 level for England. This bodes well for the future at Man United. With 5 talented centre backs, Something has to give way, surely. Maybe the big 6'2 Englishman is to start a couple games in midfield. I have previously stated that Man United need another tough tackling midfielder and Jones has played there a couple times for Blackburn over the last 2 seasons. I am not sure Jones has the range of passing needed to play there for Man United, but I might be wrong.
With Wes Brawn and John O’Shea (reported) set for Sunderland, and Gary Neville retiring, it only leaves the da Silva twins left to fight it out for the right back role. Jones might be asked to play a couple games at right back too. He has the ability, and if the cart horse Jamie Carragher can play right back for Liverpool, then Phil Jones definitely has enough pace to play there.
The boy is a worrier (Wayne Rooney stated Jones was one of the toughest defenders he played against last season) and I am sure he will fit in very well. I am very excited to see the boy in United’s red and I am sure it will be 20 Million well spent.
His first opportunity to wear the red Devil’s new kit will be on their tour of the USA starting on the 13th of July.
Fletch
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