Ralf Rangnick was left with no other choice but to start Phil Jones against Wolves on Monday, with skipper Harry Maguire ruled out due to injury.
Many were still shocked to see Jones in the line-up, starting his first Premier League game in 700+ days, but he played well despite United suffering a 1-0 defeat.
The replays will show how his headed clearance fell to Joao Moutinho’s feet before the goal, but his overall performance was solid to say the least.
I’ve already said on the blog that he is probably the only United player who can be proud of his performance yesterday.
Rio Ferdinand was clearly impressed with Jones’ display as he hardly put a foot wrong in the match.
“For someone to come in from the cold like that, you have to tip your hat to someone like that,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel.
“They’re playing him maybe to put him in the shop window, first and foremost, but if he plays well enough the manager might change his mind. That can happen in football very quickly.
“I’m just pleased he got through the game unscathed, no injuries.
“He put in a decent performance after such a long time out, not easy to do. So you’ve got to tilt your hat to Phil Jones.”
Of course, these comments come a year after Ferdinand said that Jones was taking a youth team players’ place in the dressing room.
“I wouldn’t talk to those people. If I was in a squad with someone like that, I’m not talking to them. They’re a waste of time.
“Why am I chatting to you and giving you any energy? Taking that away from my other teammates who are here to play and go into battle for 90 minutes every week.”
Jones has had to deal with a lot of abuse while out injured, so to see him return and play well should be a huge boost for the player himself.
He will be sickened that we didn’t get the result United needed, though.
