Ex-Man Utd man reveals Sir Alex Ferguson talks convinced him to reject four clubs - including Man City & Arsenal

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has described Sir Alex Ferguson as the biggest factor behind his decision to join the club despite holding talks elsewhere with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at the time.

Jones burst onto the scene at Blackburn Rovers as a teenager in the 2009/10 season and quickly earned a reputation as being one of the country's finest defensive prospects.

He continued this upwards trajectory in the 2010/11 and was a near ever present in Sam Allardyce’s final six months at Ewood Park. Jones showcased his versatility by impressing in a variety of different positions including centre-back, right-back, left-back and defensive midfield.

Jones was named in England’s Under-21 squad for the 2011 European Championship by Stuart Pearce and during the tournament was the subject of rampant speculation linking him with a move away from his boyhood club.

Phil Jones discusses Man Utd move

Phil Jones, who was forced into early retirement at the age of 30, was reunited with former boss Sam Allardyce for an appearance on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, which also features BBC Radio presenter Natalie Pike.

During the show, he discusses the event leading up to his exit from Blackburn Rovers as a number of top clubs circled for his signature.

Jones, who joined United for £16m in 2011 said: “So believe it or not, Sir Alex was the last to come in. I’d spoke to David Moyes, I went to David Moyes’ house at Everton. I’d spoke to Man City, but I think they were going through a time where they didn’t really know which managers and they didn’t know whether they were going to change the manager. I can’t remember who was in charge.

“They didn’t really know who was coming in, and I didn’t want to come in knowing who actually wanted me at the club. Who else did? I had Harry Redknapp on the phone at Tottenham. And so I was going, I was actually going to meet United. And then Arsenal had been in the peripheral as well. So I was actually going to meet Sir Alex and then go to meet Arsenal straight after.”

However, Jones admits after a conversation with the legendary Scottish manager his mind had already been made up. He said: “I was meeting Arsenal an hour, two hours later. And you can’t say that. I just said to my agent, it doesn’t really matter what anybody’s going to offer now. Like my mind’s made, done.”

Phil Jones career at Man Utd

Phil Jones enjoyed a strong start to his United career and was instantly a regular in his first season as Alex Ferguson’s team narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City on goal difference.

He made 29 league appearances in his first season and a further 17 in his second term as he battled his way back from an injury. During that season at the age of 21, he got his hand on his first ever Premier League title and was heavily praised by Ferguson as a player that could go to the very top. “He could be our best ever player,” said Ferguson in 2013.

While in his autobiography, he expanded: He is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch. He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game."

However, injuries ultimately marred Jones’ 12-year-stay at Old Trafford and though he was able to rack up 229 appearances for the Red Devils while winning the FA Cup and Europa League, he never quite made the impact expected of him on both the club and international stage.

Since retiring from the game, Jones has remained part of the backroom team at academy level. Jones isn't officially employed by United, but his role at the club is considered mutually beneficial because he gains coaching experience, while academy players get the opportunity to learn from someone who spent 12 years at Old Trafford .The coaching role is part-time and sees him mostly doing matchdays and taking a few training sessions.

Jones has a great insight into the future at Carrington and has sang the praises of one youngster - who could make a huge impact on Ruben Amorim’s current group in the near future.