Former England defender Phil Jones is on the verge of finally leaving Manchester United after 12 years and dozens of hilarious facial expressions which have entertained fans around the world

Phil Jones is set to leave Manchester United after 12 years at Old Trafford (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The end of an era is approaching as Phil Jones prepares to leave Manchester United after 12 years and an array of funny facial expressions.

The former England defender is one of at least five out-of-contract players who will be released this summer, reports the MEN. The impending departure of Jones is no real surprise following an injury-plagued few years.

The former Blackburn defender has started just two games in three years due to a knee problem. Jones has not trained all season and was lasted spotted at the club’s training ground a full year ago.

Jones signed a bumper new contract in February 2019 but he has made just 16 appearances since then, being substituted at the interval in five of those games.

His lack of game time has robbed football fans across the world of his hilarious facial expressions while in action, which have entertained legions of social media users for years.

Manchester United bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe attends presentation at Old Trafford

One of Phil Jones’ most memorable faces (Image: Getty Images)

Phil Jones is booked during one of his most recent Manchester United appearances (Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Given his injury problems, the 31-year-old’s Premier League career could conceivably be over. If he decides to play on, a move to the EFL or abroad could beckon.

It’s fair to say Jones’ career hasn’t hit the heights many thought it would. That includes Sir Alex Ferguson, who infamously said in 2013: “Jones, arguably, the way he is looking, could be our best ever player.”

While that lofty prediction never got close to coming to fruition, Jones can at least look back on plenty of winners’ medals, including the Premier League title (2013), FA Cup (2016) and Europa League (2017).

Phil Jones has been entertaining fans for years (Image: Getty Images)

Phil Jones in Manche

Another player heading for the Old Trafford exit door is Axel Tuanzebe, also blighted by injury, who hasn’t played since the 2021 Europa League final.

Youngster Ethan Galbraith, who has been on loan at Salford City, Ondrej Mastny and Charlie Wellens are also set to be let go.