The sight of Phil Jones launching himself at a header, hurling his body in front of a shot or steaming into a tackle has been one to behold for Manchester United supporters this season.
The 24-year-old defender has been a revelation since returning from a lengthy injury-enforced absence on 6 November and has already registered 14 appearances this season, which is encouragingly one more than he managed throughout the entire 2015/16 campaign. Make no mistake, he is now an important member of Jose Mourinho’s team and one whose contribution to the cause is vital.
Inside United magazine recently caught up with Jones at the Aon Training Complex and among the discussion points were his highly successful return to action, his relationship with the manager, training against Zlatan Ibrahimovic and, of course, the pride he takes in the noble pursuit of defending.