Phil Jones makes Manchester United return after 707 days

It has been a long 707 days since Manchester United played Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup, and it was also the last time Phil Jones played for the club in any senior capacity, until January 4, 2022.

With Manchester United living through a defensive crisis with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly all absent through injury or illness, Ralf Rangnick was forced to call upon the club's forgotten man.

Now, one of the longest serving players at the club, Jones is expected to leave in the near future, but after so many injuries it was pleasing to see him start against Wolves on Monday.

Playing onto the market

Jones' performance in the first half against Wolves was impressive, making a crucial block from a shot by Francisco Trincao in the final minute of the half.

This match was Jones' chance to play himself onto the market, with United looking to shed his salary from the books.

Having been linked with Benfica tentatively of late, a move to stay in the Premier League would be ideal for Jones, and the only way he could achieve that would be by convincing other clubs of his fitness.

He showed against Wolves that he hasn't lost a step, and would be a remarkable addition to a club battling against relegation.

Jones' resilience should be commended

After missing so much football through injury, and being constantly criticised on social media, Jones' resilience to come back and once again play for Manchester United should be commended.

Whilst he may not be the player who Sir Alex Ferguson said was on his way to becoming the club's best ever, he has always put in a lot of effort for the club and should be respected at the very least.

His time at Old Trafford is at an end, with the club needing to move on, if just to ensure the club begins to find a way to remove deadwood, but for now his return to the pitch shows the signs of a mentally strong individual.