Insight from Phil Jones

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has taken fans behind the scenes of the storied Old Trafford dressing room, revealing insights into his turbulent time at the club. One of the juiciest pieces of gossip? The star who consistently struggled with punctuality.

Phil Jones' Legacy

Jones, now 32 and retired after suffering a string of injuries that hampered his final seasons, accumulated 229 appearances for the Red Devils during his impressive 12-year tenure. He also earned 27 caps for the England national team and was part of a squad that featured luminaries like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Struggles of Modern Manchester United

The past few years at United, however, have been a far cry from the glory days, as the club has endured over a decade without winning the Premier League title. Amidst the challenges, Jones has stepped into punditry and coaching and has recently opened up about some of the issues that plagued the squad.

Late to Training

In an interview with SPORTbible, he humorously revealed, 'How long have we got? Anthony Martial… always late. Yeah, always late – training, meetings, bus.' It seems Martial's laid-back approach to time management might have led to hefty fines. However, Jones speculated, 'I don't think it bothered him too much!'

Martial's Departure and New Beginnings

After a nine-year stint that saw him net 90 goals in 317 appearances, Martial departed United this summer and signed with Greek side AEK Athens. So far, he’s made an impressive start, scoring three goals in his first seven outings. Despite the promising beginnings in Greece, his time at United was marked by ups and downs, contributing to fan frustrations over his inconsistent performances and injuries.

Fines and Frustrations

Jones also hinted at Martial’s likely status as one of the most fined players during his time at United, stating, 'He'll be up there, he'll be up there.' For context, Martial transferred to United in September 2015, with fees potentially rising to £57.6 million. He celebrated several cup victories, including the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and the Europa League—but his last season mirrored the struggles that defined his later years.

A Fond Farewell

Martial concluded his United journey with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth in December 2023 before undergoing groin surgery that would ultimately sideline him for the rest of the season. However, in a heartfelt farewell post to fans, Martial expressed gratitude for his time at one of the most celebrated clubs in football history, stating, 'Manchester United will always be in my heart.'

Looking Ahead

As fans ponder what lies ahead for both Jones and Martial, they can't help but wonder—will the next generation of players learn from the punctuality mishaps of their predecessors? Stay tuned for more insider revelations from the Premier League.