Phil Jones named in Man Utd starting lineup for trip to Liverpool
By Sean Walsh
Phil Jones has been named in the Manchester United starting lineup for just the second time this season, slotting in as a centre-back in a back-five for their trip to Liverpool.
The 30-year-old's only other appearance from the off this term came in a 1-0 loss at home to Wolves at the start of 2022, while he also completed 30 minutes in United's FA Cup penalty shootout exit to Middlesbrough.
Injuries and a general loss of form and quality have seen Jones fall way down the Old Trafford pecking order, making just three Premier League appearances since the start of the 2019/20 season.
However, Ralf Rangnick has named the defender in the starting XI to take on title-chasing Liverpool on Wednesday.
Jones comes into a back-five alongside Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot providing width at wing-back.
The midfield comprises of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga will lead the line in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz
Man Utd starting XI: De Gea; Lindelof, Jones, Maguire; Wan-Bissaka, Pogba, Matic, Fernandes, Dalot; Elanga, Rashford