The Louis van Gaal effect; potential Manchester United XI come August

Many may feel he is not up to par, but Phil Jones as the tools to become an excellent defender at United – can LvG get the best from him?

Phil Jones (CB)

Sir Alex Ferguson rated him quite highly, and he came to Manchester United by way of Blackburn Rovers with much hype and expectation surrounding him.  He has made the odd slip or two, and no one will let down the hilarious faces you’ll come to find from him when he is on the pitch, but Phil Jones is the real deal.

At just 22, he reads the game very well, is excellent in the air, very good with the ball at his feet and not afraid to get stuck in when it is necessary.  If you’re questioning the validity of him playing a prominent role for United under LvG, just look back to his performances in Champions League last season – he was brilliant.  With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic off the books, the only three center backs left are Jones, Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans.  All will get a chance to prove themselves in pre-season, but Jones should well rise to the top of that trio.