Erik ten Hag hits nail on the head when summing up Phil Jones’ Man Utd career

Ten Hag gives Man Utd team news update for Bournemouth trip

Erik ten Hag has sent Phil Jones a warm parting message after his Manchester United exit was confirmed on Friday. The 31-year-old defender will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires in July, calling time on a 12-year stint as Ten Hag continues to shape his squad.

United have announced that Jones will depart this summer after 229 appearances and 27 England caps.

Sir Alex Ferguson recruited him as a teenage centre-back from Blackburn Rovers in 2011. Two years later, he lifted his first and only Premier League title.

Ten Hag will make numerous important squad decisions at the end of the season as he vies to push a troublesome decade that followed into the background and bring the glory days back to M16.

But he made sure to pay tribute to Jones ahead of Saturday’s crunch Premier League clash at AFC Bournemouth.

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The Dutchman highlighted Jones’ career achievements and explained that the dressing room echoed his respect.

He told the club’s website: “Definitely [the dressing room wishes him well]. He has had a great career at Man United.

“He won the Premier League, won the FA Cup, won the Europa League, and he was present in two World Cups, so a huge career and all the respect, all the credit.

“I think he can look back with a really good feeling about his career, and I wish him all the best for the future.”

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Jones’ exit presents a significant step toward the end of an era at United. David de Gea is the only remaining 2012/13 Premier League-winning squad member.

De Gea is expected to sign a new contract, despite concerns over his suitability as Ten Hag’s No 1 based on his distribution ability and command of his area.

But Jones will be one of several senior exits as Ten Hag uses his second summer in England to progress his project.

Academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe is also set to depart on a free transfer, while Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay are said to be among those in the shop window.

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