Once dubbed by Sir Alex Ferguson as the next Duncan Edwards, it just hasn't worked out that way for Phil Jones.

And it's not his fault either. For a long period, Jones has been injured and only watching instead of playing.

With Mourinho's revolution at Old Trafford well under way, rumour has it that he wants another defender and selling Jones rather than loaning the player out for a season, would be preferable. This is depending on which source you get your information from of course.

Generally, it was envisaged that Jones could join Wenger's Arsenal. The Gunners are scouting Europe for a plausible defensive man and Mustafi appears to be the one they want the most. However, the deal isn't done yet and Wenger continues to look around him.

But as we know, there is a real barrier between Wenger and Mourinho and so there will be a distinct lack of business done between the two.

For Phil Jones, is it better to stay and fight for a role within the team and prove to your new boss that you have a future at Manchester United, or would he be better off joining another club and starting afresh?

The 24-year-old was signed from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 by Sir Alex Ferguson for a fee thought to be around £16.5m. Within a year he was seriously injured, with back problems and knee operations holding his progression back and limiting his England career.

Known for his physical power and build, Jones has been called a "jack of all trades" for his ability to play at centre-back, right-back or as a defensive midfielder. With his stocky build, opposition players have found it hard to bully Jones off the ball or out-muscle him.

In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson said of Jones: "Arguably, the way he is looking, he could be [Manchester United's] best ever player."

And now here we are three years on looking at whether he may be leaving the club.

Press reports from Old Trafford suggest the club hierarchy see the player's future away from Old Trafford for the time being. The England international last played for United against Swansea City last January and has struggled to make his way back into the starting line-up ever since.

As usual, somewhere between the club saying he has a future and offers elsewhere, there lies the truth and only time will tell us what next.

For the England international, this season is vital. Back from injury and looking to stake a claim in the first team somewhere and get back into the England set-up is the aim.

Wherever Jones ends up, it will feel like he needs to start over again and prove himself to so many.

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