Phil Jones Identifies Crucial Manchester United Transfer Priority
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has publicly urged his old club to make the acquisition of a midfield 'destroyer' their top priority during the upcoming summer transfer window. This call comes as United continue to evaluate their squad structure under interim management.
United's Recent Transfer Strategy and Midfield Search
During the previous summer, Manchester United focused heavily on revamping their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season. The club secured the signings of forwards Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko in deals totalling approximately £200 million.
Concurrently, the Red Devils were actively pursuing a combative midfielder to fit into the 3-4-3 system favoured by former manager Ruben Amorim. Key targets identified at the time included Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, and Brighton's Carlos Baleba.
Brighton & Hove Albion later confirmed United's concrete interest in Baleba, following the Cameroonian international's exceptional performances last season. However, according to Brighton CEO Tony Bloom, United withdrew from negotiations when informed that Baleba would not be sold unless a truly astronomical fee was presented for the 22-year-old talent.
Current Midfield Dynamics and Managerial Influence
This failed pursuit meant Amorim began his first full season with largely the same midfield options inherited from Erik ten Hag, typically favouring a pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
Since taking over as interim manager, Michael Carrick has reinstated Kobbie Mainoo into the side alongside Casemiro, while deploying Fernandes in a more advanced attacking role—a tactical shift many supporters had long advocated for prior to Amorim's dismissal.
Despite these adjustments, United remain actively in the market for a central midfielder. Jones anticipates the club will 'dip into the market' once a decision is made on appointing a permanent manager.
Jones's Analysis and Squad Assessment
When asked if United are currently lacking a specific type of midfielder, Jones told talkSPORT: 'Yeah, I can agree with that.'
He elaborated: 'I think if Bruno Fernandes is going to play in a higher position and Kobbie is going to play in that six position and Casemiro now announcing he’s leaving at the end of the season, I think that’ll be a position they will potentially look to dip into the market.'
'A six, somebody who can build but also be that destroyer in there as well and also somebody who can get about the pitch.'
Jones also praised the current squad depth and competition: 'But I think, when you look at the squad now, it’s madness. Everyone is fit, everyone is available, it’s tough to get a game now. That’s what you need at Manchester United.'
Praise for Carrick and New Signings
The former England international has been highly impressed with Michael Carrick's start as interim boss, particularly noting his ability to manage the entire squad effectively.
'The competition for places has always been massive but I also think what Michael has got is the ability to help the players who aren’t playing,' Jones explained. 'I think you’ve seen that with Cunha, the way he came off the bench against Arsenal, and that’s a big trait to have, a manager who can make you feel a huge part of the club, maybe when you’re not starting every single game.'
He drew a comparison to legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, stating: 'We look back at Sir Alex Ferguson, that’s what he was so good at. And Michael has brought that as well.'
Regarding United's new attacking signings, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who are both enjoying promising debut seasons, Jones highlighted the necessary mentality for success at Old Trafford.
'I think you have to have that arrogance, you have to have that confidence about you,' he said. 'You have to walk into Manchester United and think you’re a top player because, otherwise, it can eat you up.'
Reflecting on his own experience, Jones added: 'I’ve said all along that being at Manchester United for a long time, it’s pressure… no doubt about that. It’s a heavy, heavy shirt to wear but, my God, it’s a rewarding one at the same time.'
He concluded on an optimistic note regarding the team's recent form: 'Hopefully we’ve seen in the last two games that there are big improvements and better days ahead.'
