Touchline footage shows Phil Jones on verge of tears after emotional return

Callum Boyle

It’s great to see Phil Jones back playing

Footage of Phil Jones has emerged of the defender struggling to hold back his emotions after making his first appearance for Manchester United since January 2020.

Jones was recalled to the first-team set-up for the first time since United’s FA Cup third round tie against Tranmere Rovers in 2019/20 – in which he scored – after Ralf Rangnick’s side were short in the centre-back department.

Despite being on the losing side following a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jones received plaudits for his performance and after the full-time whistle, appeared to be brought to tears after supporters sang his name.

The 29-year-old’s reaction was caught by United’s Twitter account as he embraced the love of the fans inside Old Trafford as they said: “A milestone that’s been 712 days in the making.

A milestone that's been 712 days in the making.

It meant so much to Phil ❤️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/Kd7H7fyedE

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 4, 2022

“It meant so much to Phil.”

Jones’ performance didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates either, with Luke Shaw praising his defensive partner for stepping up to the task.

“Phil Jones should be proud of himself,” he told the United website.

“I think he’s been criticised for a number of years constantly, people always getting at him but he’s stuck by it, he’s so professional, trains so hard and he got his chance tonight and I think he was phenomenal.

“I think he needs a lot of respect for that tonight because he was out for over a year and this is really his first big game back and he was exceptional.

🗣️ "Phil Jones should be proud of himself."

🗣️ "Maybe the manager can bring some ideas."

Luke Shaw talks through #MUFC's defeat and praises Phil Jones for his performance after two years out of the side. pic.twitter.com/V8mitOGlBG

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 3, 2022