Ex-Man Utd star has theory why Phil Jones refused to quit Man Utd despite fact he should have ‘left a long time ago’
A FORMER Manchester United star reckons he knows why Phil Jones has stayed at the club for so long.
The centre-back, 31, is in his 12th season at Old Trafford following a 2011 move from Blackburn Rovers.
Despite enjoying his start to life at United, Jones eventually suffered several injury setbacks.
And he’s played just 13 times in the last four years.
Jones is now set to be released when his contract expires this summer.
The Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League winner’s exit will call time on his up-and-down football career.
Jones already turned down the chance to play a testimonial after more than a decade of loyal service.
And former Red Devil Dimitar Berbatov reckons he knows why Jones has refused to quit United before now.
The Bulgarian scored 56 goals in four seasons at the club, winning two Premier League titles.
And Berbatov believes that once you get a taste of life in the famous red shirt, you become extremely reluctant to let it go.
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He told Betfred: “I believe Phil should have left a long time ago because it was obvious that he wasn’t in the plans of a couple of Manchester United’s recent managers.
“He was obviously not going to play, his time was up and he needed to leave sooner, but it is what it is. I wish him the best of luck in the future.
“Has he been unfairly criticised? We’ve all been there and sometimes you get criticism you deserve and sometimes you don’t. That’s football.
“In Phil’s case, I can understand it because when you go to Manchester United, you don’t want to leave.
“Trust me. I can understand why he’s stayed at the club for so many years.”