Manchester United – Phil Jones-Worth £17 million? If Fergie says so

It’s a brave, opinionated and decidedly headstrong man who criticises Sir Alex Ferguson these days, after all he has achieved for Manchester United over 25 years of trophies and sumptuous football. Yet there are some doubters, waiting patiently and sullenly in the wings through all the successes of the last year in particular, who have now begun to rear their ill-informed heads and question the judgement of Fergie.

They say Jones is too young, that inexperience in the Champions League and in so-called ‘big games’ will prove his undoing, that the price tag is ridiculously inflated, and lastly that United do not need cover in that area. These points are all null and void, when football is looked upon in a logical light.

Firstly, the matter of youth is one that is purely instinct from the perspective of a manager-and in the case of Sir Alex his instinctive reaction as to whether a player is capable to play for United is usually spot on. Sure, there will always be a David Bellion or (a more recent example) a Bebe lurking around the corner, but Sir Alex usually gets the signings or rejections of young players exactly right. The class of ’92 is the most obvious example (yes Mr Hansen, turns out you will win quite a lot with the kids…..) but there are many more: Ronaldo of course, Javier Hernandez in last season, a young baby-faced Solskjaer many years ago and so many more. We can therefore say with some justification that if Sir Alex thinks he’s good enough; he’s old enough.

As to the question of a lack of experience for Jones in these ‘big-games’, this is one which logical thinking will answer. Since Blackburn were in the midst of a campaign to keep their Premiership status, Jones will have played in plenty of games which demand the same composure and performance under pressure which would be necessary in the Champions League or a class with a rival for the title.

True; the price tag is high for a young, inexperienced central defender who has not played for the senior England team, and has never played in a continental competition. However, he has taken to the Premier League like the archetypal duck to water and shows an old-fashioned relish for the gritty arts of defence that would make Lawrenson and Hansen beam, as well as a stylish and composed willingness to bring the ball forward and create openings. He is, in short, looking like a thoroughbred even at this early stage of his career. Therefore, considering if all goes well he will be a part of the United defence for at least 8 years, the price tag begins to look understandable.

And lastly, admittedly central defence is not an are where United look like they need current cover, but going through the list 1 by 1 might change an opinion or 2. Rio, while still an excellent and commanding presence, is getting on a bit and the persistent injuries will assuredly take their toll next season. Vidic is indeed the best centre-back in England according to his peers, but he needs a partner who is equally redoubtable. Jonny Evans, although an honest and solid defender, lacks that spark that seperates the wheat from the chaff at Manchester United, and Chris Smalling is one for the future.

In conclusion, while it is of course a gamble to buy a 19 year old from Blackburn with less than 100 first class games, it’s the kind of gamble that Sir Alex has taken time and again-and the kind of gamble that usually comes off for him.