Although the Red Devils have struggled to secure two wins in their first five English Premier League matches in the 2014/2015 season, the defensive set up have been a major problem for Louis Van Gaal’s team.
It’s a known fact that a consistent pairing at the back is important to the team’s ability to get needed results.
The manager was forced to give debut to two U-21 defenders at the weekend and they didn’t disappoint.
Tom Thorpe and Paddy McNair together with Tyler Blackett have all been involved in first team matches this season from the U-21 team and Louis Van Gaal will hope to have a consistent pairing at the back soon.
There will be a sign of relief in Manchester United camp and Louis Van Gaal will be pleased to have heard Phil Jones will probably be available for selection for the weekend’s fixture against Everton.
Despite the top notch display by Paddy McNair in the last home win against West Ham, the 19 year old is still young and inexperienced to step up into the United centre back with Tyler Blackett’s terrible moments against Leicester highlighting the lack of experience.
Phil Jones is one of the senior defenders in the team and his availability will lift the defensive burden temporarily off Van Gaal’s shoulders.
The strong defender has been out for few weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during international duties with the England national team and he is returning a week ahead of schedule.
Balance is the key for the team and that’s what Jones will help bring to the team.
Although Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans have failed to step up into the big shoes of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, it can be said that they are been worried by the recent injury problems.
The start of 2011/2012 saw the trio play well and earned the right to remain in the United squad.
Phil Jones adds energy and strength to the defence and the defender will hope to form a solid partnership with Marcos Rojo who was shifted into the central defence last weekend.
The availability of Jones will leave Louis Van Gaal with good options including the young defenders.
Tyler Blackett will still be out for the next two matches and if Jones and Rojo partnership works out fine, it might just be the start of a new Old Trafford pairing.
Phil Jones however will hope to continue his good run of form that saw him claim a starting shirt in the England national team before he got injured.
Fitness and balance is the key to the performance of the centre back that can also play from the right full back and defensive midfield positions.
His return for selection is definitely a welcomed development for both club and country.
