Man United outcast Phil Jones ‘is expected to be released from the club this summer’

Phil Jones’ Manchester United career looks set to be brought to an end in the summer with the club reportedly preparing to release a host of underperforming periphery players.

Erik ten Hag wants to clear out his squad and has apparently identified players he wants gone as quickly as possible once the current season is over.

Terminating contracts would surrender any potential transfer fee and is usually reserved as an option for academy assets and players who it is deemed have no realistic sell-on value.

Jones has been earmarked as one of United’s outcasts who will be unceremoniously moved on after 12 injury-plagued years at the Red Devils, according to the MEN.

The 31-year-old centre-back signed a fresh deal in 2019 after being offered a contract extension by then-manager Jose Mourinho, but has since made just two starts in three years.

Phil Jones is expected to be released from his Manchester United contract at the end of the season

Jones has been plagued by a recurring knee injury in recent years that has stopped him from playing

Man United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly decided the futures of five players that will be released

Jones has been hampered by injuries and an ongoing knee problem means he has failed to take part in any training sessions under Ten Hag this season.

Large sections of United supporters have become unhappy with Jones’ existence at the club in recent years with the defender being payed a handsome salary but rarely involved with the first-team. 

Jones previously stressed while working as a television pundit at United’s Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle in February that Ten Hag made him feel ‘valued’.

Should he depart the club this summer then he will leave United as a Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and League Cup winner. 

Fellow defender Axel Tuanzebe is another name that has reportedly been cited as a releasable asset having struggled for minutes in recent seasons.

Academy product Axel Tuanzebe could also have his existing deal at Old Trafford terminated

Tuanzebe hasn’t featured since United’s Europa League final defeat in 2021 after a series of recurring injuries and recently returned from a temporary four-month loan spell at Championship outfit Stoke.

The 25-year-old made a total of five appearances for the Potters during his time in the Mildands.

Academy product Ethan Galbraith could also leave the club once his loan at League Two promotion-chasers Salford City finishes.

Charlie Wellens – son of Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens – and youth team goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny could also be released.