Manchester United has today confirmed that Phil Jones has been given a new four year deal by the club which, if he stays for its entirety, will see him earn a testimonial.

Jones joined United as a teenager from Blackburn, turning down the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool to play for Sir Alex Ferguson. Our legendary manager once claimed that he could go on to be the club’s all-time greatest player. While it hasn’t quite worked out that way, Jones has enjoyed some success at the club and is delighted he gets to stay.

I am delighted to have signed a new contract. Manchester United has been a big part of my life for eight years and I love everything about this club. I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead of us as we prepare for a very busy period in the season. I would like to thank Ole and the coaching staff for their continued support in my development.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reflected on how Jones is now one of the senior members of the squad and expressed his happiness that he is staying at the club.

Phil knows what it takes to be a Manchester United player. He has won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League and is now one of the senior players within the team. He is coming up to his 27th birthday and entering into his prime years as a centre-half. We are delighted Phil has committed his future to the club.

Jones is some way short of the world-class defenders our rivals have on offer, although chances are the club sees him more as a squad player than one for the starting XI. On his day, he can be brilliant, but lacks the consistency to deserve a place in the first team. His injury record is also pretty poor. With his contract not long from expiration, it makes sense to extend his deal if there are plans to sell him in the near future.

United still must look for a quality central defender in the summer transfer window.