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PARENTAL LEAVE
Heartbreaking reason Phil Jones turned down Man Utd testimonial as he’s finally set to leave club after 12 years
PHIL JONES once turned down a testimonial at Manchester United — as he claimed only his parents would come and watch.
The defender - who is set to leave the club after 12 years - told team-mates the heartbreaking reason after reaching a decade at the club.
The central defender has struggled for fitness over the last few seasons and has cut an outside figure in the squad.
Traditionally, United players who have served a decade at the club are honoured with a testimonial.
But Jones happily to left any commitment to such a match out of the new contract he signed in February 2019, according to the .
At the time, he also joked to that "there’d be only my mum and dad who would turn up", if they made the journey from the outskirts of Preston.
The former Blackburn defender has not featured under Erik ten Hag this season.
Indeed, his persistent injuries in the last few years have seen him play feature in just six games in the Premier League since the start of the 2019/20 season.
His last appearance for the club came in January 2022 as an emergency recall for him was made by interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
When he leaves the Old Trafford side he will make his exit as a Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and League Cup winner.
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Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson once claimed Jones, who cost £16.5m from Blackburn could become one of the club's best ever players.
But there is no doubt the Jones, 31, did not live up to Fergie's expectations, despite playing for England caps and playing 229 games for United in all competitions.
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