Phil Jones asked which Man Utd player was always late to training, he didn’t think twice about one former teammate

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones claimed that his ex-Red Devils teammate was “always late” and even racked up fines at Old Trafford.

Phil Jones called it time on his playing career in the summer and he has entered the world of coaching as part of the next chapter in his footballing career.

The 32-year-old former Manchester United star was first brought to Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson after he was signed from Blackburn Rovers in 2011.

Jones was part of the last United team to win the Premier League trophy in the 2012-13 season, with ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson subsequently retiring in 2013.

The United centre-back, who made 229 appearances for the Red Devils, also lifted a Europa League trophy and a League Cup during his spell at Old Trafford.

Jones remained at Old Trafford long after Ferguson’s retirement and his spell at United was plagued with injuries.

READ MORE: Gary Neville makes ‘mad’ observation after Man Utd win vs Everton, he sends clear message to Ruben Amorim

Jones on ex-Man Utd teammate and training

Speaking to SPORTbible, Phil Jones was asked which of his former Manchester United teammates would always turn up late for training.

When asked the question, the former England defender hilariously responded: “How long have we got?”

Jones went on to single out Anthony Martial and claimed the ex-France and United striker would be “always late” for a lot of things.

“Anthony Martial… always late. Yeah, always late – training, meetings, bus,” he added.

Anthony Martial left Old Trafford at the end of the 2023-24 campaign after his contract expired and signed for Super League Greece side AEK Athens in September.

The 28-year-old French forward made 317 appearances for the Red Devils and lifted a Europa League, an FA Cup and a League Cup during his time at United.

When it was suggested that the fines for Martial were ‘racking up,’ Jones replied: “Yeah, yeah, yeah.

“I don’t think it bothered him too much!”

On the suggestion that Martial was the most fined player in the United squad, Jones added: “He’ll be up there, he’ll be up there.”

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim told ‘absolutely outstanding’ Man Utd star has ‘understanding’ of his philosophy, others need to take notes

Jones defended injury-hit career

Following his retirement from football, Jones was happy with what he achieved in his career and he is ready for the challenge ahead of him in coaching.

“It took a long time for that to change and for me to realise that, while I had lots of ups and downs in my career, ultimately I was proud of what I did as a player,” he told BBC Sport in October.

“I can look back on some unbelievable memories and I made some amazing friends for life.

“That stage is over for me now, but I am just at the start of the next one.

“I am only 32 and I know that I’ve got a long way to go as a coach or manager. Just because I played for United for so many years, it doesn’t mean I can just walk into a job, but I am determined to get a chance somewhere.

“It is something I feel passionate about and I feel I have so much to give with my knowledge about all aspects of the game, plus my drive to succeed even further in football because I missed out on two or three years as a player.”