Ralf Rangnick explains Phil Jones selection vs Wolves

Ralf Rangnick has named his startling line-up for Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Wolves at Old Trafford.

Phil Jones starts at centre-back which is undoubtedly the biggest surprise from the German’s latest team selection.

The England centre-back replaces Harry Maguire, who misses out through injury, and he will make his first Premier League appearance since January 2020.

Jones has come through a horrid spell of injuries which derailed his football career, but he is back in the United shirt to take on Wolves alongside Raphael Varane tonight.

There is not a single centre-back on the bench either, with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly both absent. The interim boss appears to have no concerns about throwing Jones into the deep end tonight.

“From what I’ve seen, so far, I can only speak about the last four weeks in training, he was extremely professional all the time, even when he was not in the squad,” said Rangnick, as quoted by ManUtd.com.

“Since last night, the other two centre-backs who played against Burnley were out so, for me, he was the logical choice.”

Footage courtesy of MUTV

Jones deserves credit for his perseverance in getting back to full fitness after a lengthy lay-off.

It remains to seen what sort of future Jones has at the club, but a good performance tonight might be enough to put him into the winter transfer window. That would probably be best for all parties concerned.

The manager also concerned that Maguire took a knock to the chest against Burnley and that Lindelof is still testing positive for COVID-19.

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