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Phil Jones agrees new Manchester United contract
EXCLUSIVE | By Manchester correspondent Alex Stevens
Phil Jones has put the criticism of Paul Scholes behind him by agreeing the terms of a new Manchester United contract, Football Insider sources understand.
The England international has been in talks with United about a four-year deal and is set to sign during the summer break.
Jones was slated by former team-mate Scholes ahead of his appearance at right-back in England’s 0-0 draw against Republic of Ireland on Sunday. “I just think at centre-half he is not quite clever enough to do it,” the United legend claimed.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old established himself in Louis Van Gaal’s side in the second half of last season in central defence as he developed an increasingly authoritative partnership with Chris Smalling.
Jones’ contract expires next season but he is set to rebuff interest from Arsenal to sign a deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until at least 2019. There will be an option for a fifth year in the deal.
Football Insider has learned that Ashley Young has also agreed new terms, with the winger expected to pen a three-year contract.
It is a double boost for manager Van Gaal, who made the pair regular starters and has been keen for them to follow Smalling and sign contract extensions.
Football Insider revealed in April that United had received early indications that Young and Jones wanted to stay at Old Trafford.
Young has won over Van Gaal after falling our of favour under David Moyes and in the final months of Sir Alex Ferguson’s regime.
The 29-year-old, who joined United from Aston Villa in 2011, has impressed in his favourite left-wing position as well as in more defensive roles on the left flank.