Fans praise Sky Sports for getting Phil Jones in studio for Man Utd clash as they say ‘he’s a really interesting guy’
FANS praised Sky Sports for having Phil Jones in the studio for Manchester United’s 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils travelled to Selhurst Park on Saturday hoping for three wins on the bounce.
Fans praised Sky Sports as Phil Jones gave his thoughts on Man Utd’s draw with Crystal Palace
Jones retired this summer after 229 games in 12 seasons for the Red DevilsGetty
There was already a major talking point before kick-off when Marcus Rashford was left out of the starting XI.
But after netting 10 goals in their previous two matches, United were unable to find a way past Palace in south London.
Despite the result, Red Devils fans were still left smiling after a former favourite appeared on TV.
Ex-England centre-back Jones was in the Sky Sports studio to deliver his views on United’s performance.
The 32-year-old joined the Red Devils from Blackburn for £16.5million in 2011 and was hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson as a future club captain.
Jones ended up spending 12 years at Old Trafford as he won a Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
But his career was blighted by numerous injury setbacks before he was released last year.
Jones failed to find a new club and retired in August after just 229 appearances, plus a further 27 for the Three Lions.
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He is now working as a coach with United’s academy.
And earlier this month Jones exclusively opened up to SunSport over his mental health trauma caused by vile trolls on social media.
Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red Devils
MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.
Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.
And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.
Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…
ANDRE ONANA – 8/10
Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.
And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7
One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7
Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.
Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6
Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.
Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.
DIOGO DALOT – 7
Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.
Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 7
Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.
An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6
Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.
Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.
AMAD DIALLO – 6
Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7
Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.
Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.
Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6
Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.
Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.
SUBS:
MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6
Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.
MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6
United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.
RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6
Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos.
However, fans were loving his latest Sky Sports appearance as Jones gave some fascinating insights into United’s stalemate at Palace.
One of Jones’ observations went down particularly well as he analysed United’s set-up.
He said: “You can see Dalot coming on the inside in the no.6 and controlling the game from there
“United have been really good in possession and created a lot of chances.
“With Dalot coming inside, they’re creating overloads in midfield and causing Palace problems.”
And reacting to Jones, one supporter said: “Well done Sky Sports for getting Jones as a pundit. He’s a really interesting guy to watch and listen to.”
Another declared: “Well chuffed to see Jones on Sky Sports. Great player who doesn’t get the respect he deserves for putting his body on the line time and again.”
One noted: “Phil Jones on Sky Sports doing well, come on.”
Another added: “Phil (GOAT) Jones on Sky Sports. Class!”
