Why is Phil Jones on punditry and NOT in Man Utd squad for Carabao Cup final?
PHIL JONES may still be on the books as a Manchester United player – but he’s not in footy attire today.
United are playing in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley against Newcastle.
Erik Ten Hag‘s side are bidding to win United‘s first trophy for six years, while Newcastle are hoping for a first in 68 years.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez start in defence for United, with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire on the bench.
There’s no room for Phil Jones in the squad, as he’s on punditry duty for Sky Sports instead.
But there is one other reason why he’s not in the squad.
Why is Phil Jones not in the Man Utd squad?
Phil Jones is out with a devastating knee injury.
Ten Hag said earlier this season: “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.”
Jones’ 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”.
But now he looks to have taken a jump into a new career as he appears alongside Roy Keane and Gary Neville at the Carabao Cup final.