Phil Jones deserves clean break from Manchester United after Europa League decision

It perhaps came as little surprise. After all, he hasn't so much as made it into any of the matchday squads that Manchester United have named since Erik ten Hag arrived as manager.

But the news that Phil Jones has been omitted from their 25-man Europa League squad is yet another nail in the coffin as far as his Old Trafford career is concerned.

The 30-year-old failed to make the cut due to his prolonged recovery timescale from another injury, with Axel Tuanzebe further down the line in terms of being ready to play. But either way it means yet another avenue for precious game time is closed off for him. A player who has started just two games in two years is now effectively left stuck in a form of footballing purgatory.

Read more: Ten Hag faced with Premier League squad list dilemma

Barring injuries to a number of other centre-backs, Jones will not be appearing in the Premier League any time soon, either.

His Europa League cull means the only chance he has left of featuring at first team level is in the Carabao Cup. However, a cruel twist of fate means he has to wait until early November for the chance to line up against Aston Villa in the third round clash.

Until then, Jones must simply bide his time, just as he has done for the last three campaigns.

Last term saw a mini-renaissance from the former Blackburn man. After a nightmare injury record, he was given five run-outs by interim boss Ralf Rangnick, and such was the apathy surrounding the team at the time that Jones' eagerness and dedication was jumped on by supporters desperate for any modicum of positivity.

In reality Jones was only a temporary answer for Rangnick and United. Of those five aforementioned appearances in 2021-22, Jones completed 90 minutes