Rio Ferdinand very angry as ‘hoping it’s not true’ former Man Utd teammate has been banished by Erik ten Hag

The 30-year-old center-back has made 229 appearances for Manchester United in his 11-year tenure but has fallen further down the pecking order since Erik ten Hag signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.

Jones is trailed by Raphael Varane, Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Axel Tuanzebe, and Teden Mengi.

In fact, the former Blackburn player has only made two starts in the last two years. And an injury suffered in pre-season hasn’t improved his chances this season.

According to reports over the weekend, the former England man was ordered to remove his place at the club’s training session. This was done to make space for Ten Hag’s summer expansions.

Jones was also left out of the club’s Europa League squad on Monday.

Ferdinand, who played alongside Jones at United, expresses sympathy for his former comrade.

Rio has sympathy for his former teammate.

When asked about Jones’ condition, Ferdinand told Vibe with Five, “‘Listen, I’ve got to be honest, I hope it’s not true.”

“If it’s genuine, that’s Erik ten Hag setting it out and saying, ‘You’re not in my plans, and you’re surplus to requirements moving forward.'”

“But that’s the nature of the game, man.” Why are you going to take up someone else’s space if you’re not involved and aren’t part of the first team going forward?

“Ten Hag may wish to bring in a young player to gain some experience.”

“We must wait and see.” But if Phil Jones is still on the team but has been demoted to the reserves, that’s a tough pill to swallow.

“He’s had some truly awful injuries.” So I just hope he remains in shape and is able to play someplace at some point.”

Jones was not the only Manchester United first-teamer who did not make Te Hag’s Europa League roster. Brandon Williams, the team’s fullback, was also absent.

The Red Devils begin their European campaign against Real Sociedad on Thursday night at Old Trafford.

The greatest thing for Phil Jones is a contract cull.

The nicest thing that could happen to the defender instead of sitting and rotting at Old Trafford would be for his contract to be ripped up.

At the very least, by doing so, Jones has taken control of his own future.

His current contract expires next summer, but he has the option to extend it for another year.

But, let’s face it, he has little chance of ever playing for United again while Ten Hag is in charge.

There are likely suitors out there who could sign Jones if he can get himself healthy again.

But the longer he ignores it, simply accepting his current situation, the word will spread that Jones is content to sit on his money and not play at all.