Why Newcastle United should take a chance on Man United outcast Phil Jones
According to The Mirror, Newcastle United are interested in signing Manchester United defender Phil Jones in the summer for £12m.
Jones, 28, came through the ranks of Blackburn rovers’ youth system and was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United when he was 19. He was a regular starter for the Red Devils initially but lost his place in the last two seasons after a string of poor performances.
The emergence of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof’s partnership has seen him fallen down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He has now become the fourth-choice centre-back at Old Trafford and his United career seems to be nearing its end. Hence, it would be good for him to move to St. James’ Park and revive his career.
Steve Bruce’s men have been inconsistent throughout the campaign and have won only two of their last 11 league games. Their attacking unit has faltered and the defence has not been up to the mark either.
The Magpies have conceded 41 goals so far despite playing the majority of the season with a three-man central defence. Club captain Jamaal Lascelles was out of action for a long time and his return has not helped them too. Fabian Schar has featured in just 18 games and has not claimed the spot for himself.
Argentine defender Federico Fernandez, who just extended his contract for a year, has been the only consistent centre-back in the squad. And Ciaran Clark has had his own troubles with injuries. Out of the five central defenders, two of them have just one more year left on their contract. And Bruce’s system of three centre-backs requires depth in the backline.
Hence, going for a defender in the market would be a good decision by the manager and he should take a chance with Phil Jones, who has been frozen out under Solskjaer.
The 28-year-old last played in the game against Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup, where he scored, and should look to move away for regular game time. He is also capable of playing at right-back position and could be made use of by the Magpies boss.
The English international has already lost his place and needs regular game time if he is to force his way into the national side and with Newcastle, he would have a chance to prove his worth.
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Verdict
Newcastle need to strengthen their backline if they are to stop conceding regularly and Jones needs to revive his career. And this decision could be helpful for both the club and the player himself.
Therefore, the Magpies should add depth to their squad by making a move for the 28-year-old, who has vast experience in the Premier League. However, he needs to improve his game at the earliest, by all means.
