Every manager has his own signature style of play and a philosophy which they alone bring into world football.
If there is one thing you can expect from a Jose Mourinho side, it is that his defence will make you work hard to put one past them. Over 15 years into the game of management and Mourinho has managed four to five world-class sides. The one thing common is that the teams had mean defences which were rock hard to get past.
Currently, at the helm at Old Trafford, Mourinho is leading the title siege for the red half at Manchester. After a disappointing league campaign last season that was primarily down to the lack of goals, United have turned things around this season. They have scored freely and have demolished most teams that have crossed their path.
However, as expected, it did not mean that his defence loosened up simply because his forward line was bumping in goals. In fact, Mourinho’s men have conceded just two goals in the league this season, the best defensive record in England this season.
One of the mainstays of this defensive line has been 25-year old England international Phil Jones. The former Blackburn defender was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2011 but repeated injuries followed by some inconsistent defending meant that Jones was never counted upon.
However, this season he has turned things around. He came back from the summer break in the best shape of his life and has kept up with the gruelling demands of the season by putting in some commendable performances for Manchester United. He is now a sure starter for both club and country and with the World Cup coming next year, England would be very happy with the timing of Jones’s rise to the top.
The 25-year old has another 20 months of contract left in the club, but his strong performances mean that United are set to reward him with a mega contract very soon. The new contract would see him earn £150,000 a week. This would make him one of the highest paid defenders in the Premier League and put him on par with the likes of Vincent Kompany and David Luiz.
At the age of 25, he is yet to peak as a defender and Mourinho will be happy to offer the Englishman such tremendous wages should he keep up his level of performances. Mourinho will also be hoping this will give him the much-needed centre-back pairing; something great teas always consist of, with Jones and Eric Bailly at the heart of United’s defence.
Jones’ versatility as a player also means that he can play as a centre back, right back and holding midfielder and such squad players are invaluable to managers whose team plays over 60 games a season.
