I think he looks short as he is quite broad in his shoulders.
Phil Jones
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
I think he looks short as he is quite broad in his shoulders.
I liked him telling De Gea to use his elbows and then patting him on the head afterwards. He just seems to have a natural authority about him, and that along with his obvious ability is a great combination. Kind of reminds me of Andrew Flintoff in a lot of ways, daft as that comparison may sound (I do know they play different sports, before anyone brings that up...).
I felt he's got turned easily a fair few times for us and made me a bit edgy, despite generally recovering well, but the potential's obvious.
He's gonna be a monster of a player!
What stood out for me today was that Jones could recover Rio on the other hand seems to have lost all the pace he had once upon a time. I was worried before he done his hamstring that sooner or later Rio was going to get outpaced and leave an opening for a 1 on 1 with De Gea. Jones has rough edges (more than Smalling actually) but I think he'll deal adequately with stepping into the centre in the absence of Rio and Vida.
There's something about his face I really like. He's also got that old head on young shoulders vibe.
And yeah, he's gonna be a hell of a player.
Not so worried about the injuries to Rio and Vida now.
Bit early to made a crazy prediction but (what the hell) I'll go out on a limb and say that I think Smalling and him could be an even better combo.
And yeah, he's gonna be a hell of a player.
Not so worried about the injuries to Rio and Vida now.
Bit early to made a crazy prediction but (what the hell) I'll go out on a limb and say that I think Smalling and him could be an even better combo.
reminds me a lot of John Terry.
Didn't notice that, but this pleases me greatly.
It's quite ridiculous. Out of virtually nowhere we've ended up with the Ferdinand & Terry of the next 10 years, with two little mop headed mentalist scamps either side of them. I don't think I've ever been so excited by a defence in my entire life.
I wouldn't say "out of nowhere". Our scouts work very hard and our over all network of scouting has improved immensely over the last 10 years. Look at all the young talented foreign kids we've signed recently. The twins and Jones were discovered at 15 or 16 years of age and were followed the closely before signing them on.
Also I wish the twins could stay fit.
Yeah..But out of nowhere to us lazy layman fans who don't keep track of these things.
I write blogs FFS...As if I can be bothered checking up on things.
I write blogs FFS...As if I can be bothered checking up on things.
Different sports, mate. Freddie played cricket, y'know.
It's strange. Jones somehow 'looked' better out there, but it was Evans who actually was doing the better defending. Jones just has that natural look to him whereas Evans has that uncoordinated look.
The way he moves reminds me so much of Terry, it's uncanny!
So Smalling = Rio and Jones = Terry
It sounded weird but I do agree with him.
Jones oozes class, even if he's not doing anything. Evans looks awkward from time to time.
There was nothing awkward or uncoordinated about Evans' performance yesterday, nor did Jones ooze class in comparison. And that's no dig at Phil, he was good and will no doubt be a beast of a player. I call preconceived notions, Evans had a mediocre 10/11 while Jones is the exciting new kid on the block. Chances are the latter's gonna hit a rough patch at some stage too, but will it change the fact that he's a talented player?
I think they're just talking about their technique and stance. Some players just look classier on the ball. Smalling does, Jones does. Evans doesn't, but it has no bearing whatsoever on him as a player, just the way he looks.
Manchester United Official Web Site - Phil Jones interview
How did you feel when you signed for United?
It’s one of those things that sends shivers down your spine. Putting pen to paper at Manchester United is a massive thing for me and my family. I’m here now and I’ve got to prove I’m good enough.
What was it like meeting Sir Alex for the first time?
It can be a daunting experience... It was brilliant. We talked for hours, but not necessarily about me or the club, about things in general. It settled a few nerves.
You were part of pre-season in the USA with United this year – what was different about that experience for you?
The fan base. United are probably the biggest club in the world with a massive support, which is different. Also, going to America on tour and turning out against teams that you wouldn’t normally play was a great experience.
Is it only when you get to the club that you really realise how big United are?
Of course. I don’t think you can really picture what it’s going to be like. You can’t imagine it but once you’re actually here it is a bit of a whirlwind experience until you start settling down with the players. I feel comfortable with them now.
Do you already feel at home at a big club like this?
Yes. You can’t afford to sit back and watch time pass by, you’ve just got to get on with it and I’m delighted to be part of such a fantastic club.
Was pre-season particularly important to you because you’re at a new club?
There was that element. At a new club you want to prove to the players that you’re good enough for this team, and that’s what I want to do.
Did knowing a few of the lads already make settling in a bit easier?
It’s very helpful. I know Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck and Chris Smalling, who are all great lads that I’ve played with England at under-21 level. It’s been a pleasure to work with them, and they’ve told me all about the club and how good it is.
How beneficial is it to have played alongside Chris Smalling for England?
That will only help. We’ve done really well together with England and kept quite a few clean sheets. We communicate well and read each other’s game, which is a good thing to have in a partnership at the back.
As a centre-back you’ve obviously got some good role models at United…
They [Ferdinand and Vidic] are brilliant defenders. I’ve always watched those two play together and tried to model my game on them and copy things they do.
You played in midfield when you were younger. Could you do that for the Reds or are you now purely a defender?
I definitely consider myself a centre-half and that’s where I play my best football. I like to see the game in front of me and read the play. At Blackburn, when the manager asked me to move into midfield it was strange and I didn’t expect it. It took a few games to adapt to that role and the positions to take. If I was asked to do that here I’d feel comfortable with it.
You grew up as a Blackburn supporter, but you must have admired the Reds while you were growing up...
Very much so. I’ve watched the DVDs of the Premier League years and seen the amount of trophies they would pick up at the end of the season. United have always been a fantastic team year-in, year-out, and I’m sure it will be the same this season.
What do you remember about your games for Blackburn against United?They were difficult! Obviously you get a tough game whenever you play United but we drew 1-1 at Ewood Park in May, on the day United won the title. We got a drubbing at Old Trafford earlier in the season though, we lost 7-1.
What was Old Trafford like to come to as an opposition player?
I only played there once - in that 7-1 hammering! I was looking forward to it beforehand, and making sure I was fit. It’s a fantastic stadium with a great atmosphere and I was playing against some fantastic players. It's even better now I’m playing with them.
How did you feel when you signed for United?
It’s one of those things that sends shivers down your spine. Putting pen to paper at Manchester United is a massive thing for me and my family. I’m here now and I’ve got to prove I’m good enough.
What was it like meeting Sir Alex for the first time?
It can be a daunting experience... It was brilliant. We talked for hours, but not necessarily about me or the club, about things in general. It settled a few nerves.
You were part of pre-season in the USA with United this year – what was different about that experience for you?
The fan base. United are probably the biggest club in the world with a massive support, which is different. Also, going to America on tour and turning out against teams that you wouldn’t normally play was a great experience.
Is it only when you get to the club that you really realise how big United are?
Of course. I don’t think you can really picture what it’s going to be like. You can’t imagine it but once you’re actually here it is a bit of a whirlwind experience until you start settling down with the players. I feel comfortable with them now.
Do you already feel at home at a big club like this?
Yes. You can’t afford to sit back and watch time pass by, you’ve just got to get on with it and I’m delighted to be part of such a fantastic club.
Was pre-season particularly important to you because you’re at a new club?
There was that element. At a new club you want to prove to the players that you’re good enough for this team, and that’s what I want to do.
Did knowing a few of the lads already make settling in a bit easier?
It’s very helpful. I know Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck and Chris Smalling, who are all great lads that I’ve played with England at under-21 level. It’s been a pleasure to work with them, and they’ve told me all about the club and how good it is.
How beneficial is it to have played alongside Chris Smalling for England?
That will only help. We’ve done really well together with England and kept quite a few clean sheets. We communicate well and read each other’s game, which is a good thing to have in a partnership at the back.
As a centre-back you’ve obviously got some good role models at United…
They [Ferdinand and Vidic] are brilliant defenders. I’ve always watched those two play together and tried to model my game on them and copy things they do.
You played in midfield when you were younger. Could you do that for the Reds or are you now purely a defender?
I definitely consider myself a centre-half and that’s where I play my best football. I like to see the game in front of me and read the play. At Blackburn, when the manager asked me to move into midfield it was strange and I didn’t expect it. It took a few games to adapt to that role and the positions to take. If I was asked to do that here I’d feel comfortable with it.
You grew up as a Blackburn supporter, but you must have admired the Reds while you were growing up...
Very much so. I’ve watched the DVDs of the Premier League years and seen the amount of trophies they would pick up at the end of the season. United have always been a fantastic team year-in, year-out, and I’m sure it will be the same this season.
What do you remember about your games for Blackburn against United?They were difficult! Obviously you get a tough game whenever you play United but we drew 1-1 at Ewood Park in May, on the day United won the title. We got a drubbing at Old Trafford earlier in the season though, we lost 7-1.
What was Old Trafford like to come to as an opposition player?
I only played there once - in that 7-1 hammering! I was looking forward to it beforehand, and making sure I was fit. It’s a fantastic stadium with a great atmosphere and I was playing against some fantastic players. It's even better now I’m playing with them.
I'd like for SAF to try him as a DM for a few games. Just to see how he would play with better players around him. Maybe in a few CC games.
Also, he's so thin for a CB.
Vidic doesn't look classy on the ball at all but physically he's a beast.
I'd say he looks fairly comfortable out there...
About 3 years back, yes. These days he looks good at that too.
Comfortable, yes. Classy, no.
Whatever classy means to you. That captains armband, mixed with team titles and individual accolades looks pretty classy for a traditional hard-nosed center back.
Your definition of classy sounds similar to Wenger's.
Your definition of classy sounds similar to Wenger's.
What do individual accolades and captain's armbands have to do with being classy on the ball? People are so fecking precious here. The whole Caf is a whole big pit of inferiority complex.
Vidic is a world-class defender. He does not look classy on the ball the way a Ferdinand does. That's all I was saying. Jesus Christ.
Vidic is a world-class defender. He does not look classy on the ball the way a Ferdinand does. That's all I was saying. Jesus Christ.
Or perhaps the Caf is an internet forum, where United fans come to argue and debate opinions. You said Vidic does not look classy on the ball, and I've sat here, at work, doing my best to think of a center back on another club who would fit your dim description of classy.
Or maybe you're right. It's a big pit of inferiority complex, and your opinions are protected from those who disagree.
Or maybe you're right. It's a big pit of inferiority complex, and your opinions are protected from those who disagree.
Careful there, you're gonna trigger a Rio vs Vidic debate
He already has.
You made a stupid point, dragging armbands and accolades into how he looks on the ball. I kindly assumed you're not stupid, just overly sensitive about Vidic.
Vidic may not look like Maldini on the ball but his passing is generally really good IMO
I actually agree with this. I sort of went with the conventional wisdom...Vidic - being the uncultured beast alongside the classy Ferdinand.
But last season, I decided to actually watch Vida a little bit more closely, and yes while he lacks a certain grace on the ball, he isn't the bumbling fool some make him out to be.
He has decent control, and can pass with both feet, along with the ability to at times to stride forward with the ball out of our half when necessary.
Apologies, I know this is the Phil Jones thread.
I'm generally even-keeled about our players considering the sport of football. I just couldn't (and still can't) think of another player (Rio aside) I'd rather see with the ball in the backfield.
But I haven't even said he's not good on the ball, I just said he doesn't LOOK that good, doesn't look classy. Crouch, for example, is much better on the ball than he looks.
I'd rather see a Pique or a Thiago Silva or a Nesta if it comes to skills on the ball but Vidic is comfortably good enough for a CB in that sense, too.
Crouch looks like a flamingo, but he looks very good with the ball at his feet, given his height.
I guess it's a matter of opinion, because in my opinion Vidic looks about as classy as they come on the ball.
So, Phil Jones then..
Pique is better than Rio with the ball and Vermaelen is excellent also. Todays injury ravaged Rio really is a shadow of the Rolls Royce of a defender he used to be.
Those questions weren't leading in anyway, nope, not at all.
Speaking of injuries...
I know Pique has established himself as a top defender, but he has an awful lot less to do than Vidic has to on a game-by-game basis.
We were debating "Classy-ness" as the poster defined it, which is objective. As far as Vermaelen goes (who managed to play all of 5 games last season), I'd say Vidic still tops him in "classy-ness" on the ball.
Disagreed. On both sentences. Jones is damn well built for his age. Not the tallest, but by no way is he thin.
Plus Vidic doesnt look uncomfortable on the ball at all. He did a few years ago, not now anymore.