Erik ten Hag told Manchester United player 'doesn't have the level' to play in Championship

Manchester United defender Phil Jones has been told that he does not have enough "desire" or "passion" to stand up to the Championship in a damning assessment made on his forthcoming options.

Jones, 31, has not played a single minute since Erik ten Hag was appointed as manager and he is running into the final three months of his contract. As such, Jones is expected to move on when the market reopens after more than 12 years with the Old Trafford giants.

In that time, the former Blackburn Rovers player has totted-up 229 appearances and four major trophy wins. However, there is no certainty as to where his future lies.

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During a Bettors promotion, former United and England man Paul Parker said: "His contract is expiring this summer and he needs to consider whether he wants to retire - or continue playing. He has been enjoying himself for a lot of years with a club that he loves with a big salary as a bonus, but now he has to move on.

"If any club is going to sign him, they have to work really, really hard with him. His muscles aren't that strong anymore and it requires a lot to play in the Championship. That's a seriously tough league and I don't think he has the level to be perfectly honest.

"But he has to remember that a new club will ask him to play games. Does he want to do that?

"I'm not sure about that. I'm not sure that he has the passion, drive and desire to play and throw himself into reckless tackles and risk getting another injury."

Parker added: "I would love to understand... Why did he stay for that long time at United? Why would he do that to himself? It is going to be a really difficult time for him now."

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