ERIK TEN HAG has explained the shock reason why Phil Jones is not in Manchester United’s squad list.
The defender remains on the Red Devils’ books but has rarely been seen on the pitch in recent years due to injuries.
AFPPhil Jones was once predicted to become United’s ‘best ever player’[/caption]
Jones’ name nor squad number four no longer appears on the match-day programme despite the former England international still being at the club.
Ten Hag revealed the reason for his absence.
The United boss said: “For the whole season he’s injured. I can’t say [if Jones will play again this season].
“What I can say is that he’s not available for training since the first day of training this season so I think there’s not an opportunity for you to recover quickly and be available quickly.”
An unlikely Jones’ comeback briefly appeared to be on the cards last season when the 30-year-old made surprise starts against Liverpool and Wolves.
But his long term knee injury appears to still be a major issue with the centre-back not being named in a game day squad list since September.
Jones’ contract expires at the end of June when he could leave Old Trafford after 13 years.
The centre-back was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 with the legendary Scottish manager claiming he could become the club’s “best ever player”.
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But unfortunate injuries means he has only made six league appearances since the beginning of the 2019-20 season.
Jones was reportedly among several United fringe players who were available for transfers last month.
Axel Tuanzebe, who has since moved to Stoke City on loan, and veteran keeper Tom Heaton were among the stars the club is believed to have wanted to shift.