By Mark Weasley
If latest reports are anything to go by, then Phil Jones is probably enjoying perhaps his best time in a Manchester United shirt. The England international has emerged as a key player for Jose Mourinho in recent weeks, and The Daily Mail reports that the £38m move for Benfica centre-back, Victor Lindelof may be off as United’s Portuguese Manager is happy with the progressive partnership of Jones and Marcos Rojo. The 24-year-old has been speaking this week, and was at pains to point out the exceptional quality of teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The 35-year-old has taken Old Trafford by storm, and has led the charge as The Red Devils look to climb up the league table. Jones was injured for the early part of the season, but has shown remarkable improvement, and that may be due to Ibrahimovic, who he is up against every day in training.
Ibrahimovic, after a decent start to life in England struggled as United suffered for consistency in September and October, but his return to form has coincided with his club’s upturn in fortunes, and he has netted 11 goals in his last 10 matches, which has helped United to remain unbeaten since the 4-0 drubbing by Chelsea back in October.
Speaking earlier in the week, Jones said:
“He’s a handful, he’s a big, strong man and he knows where the back of the net is. He’s got great feet and his link-up play, the way he brings others into play, is superb. He gives you that outlet when you are under pressure. Obviously we don’t want to keep knocking the ball long in games, but if you have to, then he’s always there to receive it and he makes life very difficult for defenders.”
Manchester United have won their last four league games and with Jones and Zlatan in inspired form, they will look to extend that run when they face Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on New Year’s Eve.
