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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hoping to rely on Man Utd's forgotten man during title challenge

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Phil Jones will have a part to play for Manchester United during the run-in.

Jones has not featured for the Red Devils in over a year and required surgery on a knee injury in October.

The defender - who has earned 27 caps for England - has stepped up his rehabilitation in recent weeks and has been working alongside physios with a view to a return to action with United's Under-23s.

Jones moved to Old Trafford in 2011 and is the only remaining outfield player from the squad which won the Premier League in the 2012/13 season.

Solskjaer hopes Jones "can be available to play" during the run-in (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Solskjaer hopes he can count on Jones' experience of winning the title during the run-in and recently provided an update on the 28-year-old's fitness.

"He has been recovering from a knee injury, an op he had," the Red Devils boss told reporters earlier this month.

"Hopefully he will get his fitness back sooner rather than later and can be available to play."

Jones was named in United's squad for the Europa League last week, ahead of their clash with La Liga side Real Sociedad in the round of 32 this coming Thursday.

He is also expected to be added to the Red Devils' Premier League squad for the second half of the season.

United currently sit second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Manchester City.

The defender has not played for United since January 2020 (PA)

Is Phil Jones good enough to play for a title-winning side? Have your say in the comments.

But their cross-town rivals also have a game in hand and Solskjaer knows his side can hardly afford to drop points if they are to mount a serious title challenge.

The United boss will be keen to avoid injuries during the run-in and the depth of his squad is sure to be put to the test.

Jones is an experienced option, having also won the FA Cup and Europa League, and may be called on as the hectic fixture list takes its toll.

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