MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Phil Jones has asked to play for the Under-23s against Chelsea, according to reports.
The centre-back has impressed new boss Ralf Rangnick in training and is said to be keen to up his match sharpness.
Phil Jones wants to play in Man Utd’s U-23s’ last game of the yearCredit: Getty
United’s youngsters play their final match of the year on Friday – before a winter break.
And former England international Jones wants to feature, according to the Athletic.
The 29-year-old reportedly wants to ensure he is ready for a winter move away or if he is called upon by his German manager.
Rangnick is said to have been impressed with Jones’ ‘application’ in training.
And the former RB Leipzig gaffer would have picked him for United’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Young Boys last Wednesday – if Jones had been registered for the tournament.
As he was ineligible, the former Blackburn man wants to take the next opportunity to play – Friday’s 7pm Blues clash at Leigh Sports Village in the Premier League 2.
It’s not the first time Jones has expressed a desire to play for the U-23s.
He put himself forward in September for a clash at Arsenal and even drove himself down with Dean Henderson.
Jones has not played since but has been picked for United’s last four Prem squads against Chelsea, Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Norwich.
November’s game at Stamford Bridge was the first time the centre-back had been named in a Prem matchday squad in 650 DAYS – with the last also coming away at Chelsea.
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Jones has been blighted by injury for several months with a meniscus issue keeping him on the sidelines.
His lack of game time has even resulted in abuse from some sections of the United fan base.
And it has led the club to consider selling him with 13 clubs linked including Watford and Newcastle.
