Man Utd defender Jones slams Van Gaal: I almost quit!

Manchester United defender Phil Jones has taken aim at former manager Louis van Gaal.

Jones is enjoying a new lease on life this season and has established a formidable partnership with Marcos Rojo.

And he says it is all down to Jose Mourinho having confidence in his abilities.

"I was on the bench at Wembley in the FA Cup final and during the last two months of the final season of Van Gaal last year I was fit and playing. I was just made to play reserve games," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"For whatever reason he thought I needed to be fitter. I had no problem with that, I just played the games. I did what I could do to get back in the team and unfortunately it didn't really work out under him.

"But again that is football, some players are liked and some players aren't.

"No question there were thoughts about my future. It was in the back of my mind. If you are not playing games that speaks volumes.

"I said to myself at the start of the season that if someone believes in me and gives me the chance I know I am more than capable of delivering for the manager. Jose has done that.

"Hopefully if I stay fit and keep playing well then it well be at Manchester United because there is no better club to be at.

"The manager has given me the confidence to go to the next stage. I have always said from day one if somebody comes in and they give me a chance to play and play regularly then they will get the best out of me."