Man United outcast Phil Jones ‘set to be released from club this summer’ after 12 years at Old Trafford… with defender set to leave on free transfer amid ongoing battle with knee injury
- Phil Jones is set to be released by Manchester United this summer
- The 31-year-old defender has not taken part in training this season
- Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag reportedly keen to ship a host of players
Phil Jones’ Manchester United career is set to come to an end this summer, with the club preparing to release a host of underachieving peripheral players.
Erik ten Hag wants to eliminate his team and has apparently identified the players he wants to leave as soon as possible once the current season is over.
Termination of contracts waives any potential transfer fees and is generally reserved as an option for academy assets and players who they believe have no realistic sale value.
Jones has been named as one of United’s pariahs who will be moved unceremoniously after 12 years out of injury at the Red Devils, according to the MEN.
The 31-year-old centre-back signed a new contract in 2019 after being offered a contract extension by then-manager Jose Mourinho but has since made just two starts in three years.
Phil Jones is set to be released from his Manchester United contract at the end of the season
Jones has been plagued with a recurring knee injury in recent years which has kept him out of action
Man United boss Erik ten Hag reportedly decides future of five players to be released
Jones has been hampered by injuries and a persistent knee problem means he hasn’t participated in any training sessions under Ten Hag this season.
Large sections of United supporters have become unhappy with Jones’ existence at the club in recent seasons, with the defender being paid handsome wages but rarely involved in the first team.
Jones had previously pointed out while working as a TV pundit during United’s Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle in February that Ten Hag made him feel “valued”.
If he left the club this summer, he would leave United as Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup winners.
Fellow defender Axel Tuanzebe is another name reportedly cited as a releasable asset after struggling for minutes over the past few seasons.
Academy product Axel Tuanzebe could also see his existing contract at Old Trafford terminated
Tuanzebe has not played since United’s Europa League final defeat in 2021 after a series of recurring injuries and recently returned from a four-month temporary loan spell at Championship side Stoke.
The 25-year-old made a total of five appearances for the Potters during his time at the Mildands.
Academy product Ethan Galbraith could also leave the club once his loan spell at League Two promotion chasers Salford City ends.
Charlie Wellens – son of Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens – and youth team goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny could also be freed.
