Phil Jones claims Man Utd star is ‘top player’ and is super ‘comfortable on the ball,’ his qualities can’t be overlooked

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Phil Jones has waxed lyrical about one Manchester United star and called him a “leader” after the Red Devils’ 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Manchester United travelled to Villa Park on Sunday and Erik ten Hag’s men walked away with a point ahead of the October international break.

The Red Devils have failed to impress in the early stages of the 2024-25 season, with United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table.

United have won only twice in the opening seven league matches under Erik ten Hag, who is under mounting pressure over United’s recent run of results.

The Red Devils will return to Premier League action on 19th October when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford, with kick-off slated for 3pm UK time.

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Jones impressed by one Man Utd star

Speaking to former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones dropped his verdict on Jonny Evans’ performance against Aston Villa on the weekend.

Jonny Evans, who inked a new contract extension in the summer, made his sensational return to Old Trafford in 2023 under United manager Erik ten Hag.

The 36-year-old veteran defender has impressed at times in his second spell at United, including with his stunning performance against Villa.

Evans came off the bench in the 3-3 draw against Porto and the United centre-back produced a solid second-half cameo in the Europa League encounter.

Ten Hag then started Evans in the heart of defence alongside Harry Maguire for the Villa match after dropping Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez to the bench.

Harry Maguire was forced off at half-time due to an injury at Villa Park, but Evans saw out the full 90 minutes and produced a superb overall display for United.

“It doesn’t surprise me, though [Evans’ performance vs Villa]. He’s a top player,” Jones said on Ferdinand’s YouTube channel.

“Like people say, oh, he’s 35, but he’s a top player. I was thinking after the Porto game.

“I was thinking, the manager obviously has decisions to make. Jonny coming in and being Man of the Match wasn’t a surprise to me because I know how quality he is and the qualities he has got.

“He’s comfortable on the ball, he reads the game well, he’s an organiser, he’s a leader, he has played for Man United before, he knows what it takes to play for the club.”

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand reveals Wayne Rooney was left powerless against two former Man Utd stars, it was real eye-opener

Evans on Man Utd after Villa draw

Speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day, Evans opened up about the “spirit” of the United team after they secured a point from their draw at Villa Park.

“That was the important thing to show the spirit in the team,” he said.

“Everyone competed as much as they could. That’s a pleasing thing to see. You never have everyone available throughout the season.

“It’s important everyone coming in is ready to go when they’re ready.”