Phil Jones hasn’t played a first team game for Manchester United since May 2019 (Picture: Getty)

Phil Jones has thanked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for having his back following stinging criticism from Rio Ferdinand.

The 29-year-old’s career has been blighted by a series of serious injuries which has prevented him from making a first team appearance for the Red Devils since May 2019.

Jones’ decision to fight for his first team future, in spite of the competition for places which intensified following the arrival of Raphael Varane, was heavily criticised by his former teammate who told him ‘he should have gone ages ago’.