Jones: Man United move has finally sunk in
New Manchester United defender Phil Jones has revealed that it is finally beginning to sink in that he is a Red Devil.
The 19-year-old joined the Old Trafford outfit from Blackburn Rovers for £16.5 million earlier this summer, having made just 35 Premier League appearances for the Ewood Park side.
GEAR:Save 10% on new Man United home and away kits. Free delivery on orders over £50
Jones did not link up with his new team-mates immediately having taken part in the European Under-21 Championships in Denmark, alongside fellow United stopper Chris Smalling.
But the youngster has stated that he is now starting to adapt to his new surroundings, having initially been star-struck following the news that Sir Alex Ferguson was keen on recruiting him.
"It's just sunk in. It took a while to sink in but I'm delighted to be here," he said in The Sun.
"It's a massive club, the best club in the world possibly, and I'm just happy to be here.
"I was away on holiday with my girlfriend when I got a phone call from the boss saying he was interested and things progressed from there.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"It was an unbelievable feeling. I picked the phone up and he says, in his Scottish voice, 'It's Sir Alex'. It's what anyone dreams of, for that phone call to happen.
"I think the lads have been brilliant and have made me feel very welcome, so I feel settled.
"I still live with my family, I'm still 19 and it's happened at quite a young age but I'm just enjoying it. They keep me grounded and make sure I stay focused."
Jones made his United debut, as did goalkeeper David de Gea, in the club's 3-1 victory over Chicago Fire at the weekend.
Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023