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Manchester United defender Phil Jones has become faster, fresher and sharper

For once, a Phil Jones blemish. It came towards the end of Manchester United’s Boxing Day victory over Sunderland and was completely out of recent character.

A long ball lumped forward from the back, the sort of which to beg for the full-time whistle, and United - two goals ahead - seemed in no danger whatsoever.

Jones, imperious all afternoon, fancied it. He charged at the bouncing ball just inside their half, chest first. He grimaced as it flew past him, a mistake which might have allowed Jermain Defoe clear. Luckily for Jones it did not.

Phil Jones has become a vital player for Manchester United after returning to the starting side
Phil Jones has become a vital player for Manchester United after returning to the starting side
Jones has started the last eight games, appearing faster, fresher and sharper than before
Jones has started the last eight games, appearing faster, fresher and sharper than before

Such an unusual passage of play for one of the stories of this season and the reason for highlighting this is not to criticise the central defender.