Phil Jones: Heartwarming Footage of Man United Defender in Tears as Fans Chant His Name at Old Trafford

• Phil Jones’s performance on Monday, January 3 was the only positive for Manchester United, who succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Wolves
• The defender, who was making his first appearance in 712 days for United, was reduced to tears after being applauded by the crowd
• United slipped to seventh after the defeat, and are four points behind Arsenal in fourth place

Phil Jones was heavily applauded by Manchester United faithful on Monday, January 3 after making his first start for the Red Devils in 712 days.

Heartwarming footage has emerged online showing the centre back nearly in tears as he walks out of Old Trafford as applause ring all round for his stellar performance.

As Sportsbrief reported, Jones had to start for the Red Devils, in the absence of Harry Maguire, who suffered a knock, and Victor Lindelof is still recovering from COVID-19.

United went on to lose 1-0 against Wolverhampton in the game, but the major positive was Jones’ return to the side.

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In the video shared by Manchester United on their social media, Jones appears very emotional as he hears his name being chanted by fans to the point of tears.

“A milestone that's been 712 days in the making,” United’s account wrote on Twitter.

“It meant so much to Phil.”

Before the Monday game, Jones last featured for his side in the FA Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers in January 2020.

He had fallen out of favour at Old Trafford and was pretty much a forgotten man as his career was hampered by injuries, including a long-term knee strain.

Determined, Jones worked his way back to full fitness and was eventually given the chance to impress by interim boss Ralf Rangnick, after showing some promise in training.

United’s left-back Luke Shaw was among those who were full of praise for Jones’ performance on Monday.

“Phil Jones should be proud of himself,” Shaw told MUTV and Sky Sports.

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“I think he’s been criticised for a number of years constantly, people always getting at him but he’s stuck by it, he’s so professional, trains so hard and he got his chance tonight and I think he was phenomenal.

11 players reportedly eyeing United exit

Meanwhile, a damning report has suggested that up to 11 players have become disillusioned at the club and are open to leaving.

According to The Mirror, Rangnick is battling to unite the dressing room and many have grown tired of their situation at the club.

The likes of Jesse Lingard, Donny van de Beek, Eric Bailly and Dean Henderson are among the names that are keen on leaving the club because of the uncertainty of their situations at the moment.