Jones signed for Manchester United, for a reported £16.5 million fee, in July 2011 after making the breakthrough under Sam Allardyce at Blackburn during the 2009-10 season. The versatile defender, who quickly established himself as one of the game's hottest young players with a succession of top performances at Ewood Park, was also a target for Liverpool.

Having made his league debut for Blackburn at home to Chelsea, he has played at right-back, centre-back and in midfield for Rovers but models himself on John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Dawson and favours playing in the centre of defence.

Jones signed a new contract at Rovers in February 2011 that could have kept him at Ewood Park for a further five years but United swooped to agree a deal for the England Under-21 international just a few months later.

Strengths: Fast and powerful, Jones' versatility serves him well as he can play as a defender or a holding midfielder.

Weaknesses: A little headstrong at times and can get caught out of position. Lacks experience in his decision making.

Career high: In the summer of 2011 he represented England U21s at the UEFA European Championship and was snapped up by Premier League champions Manchester United.

Career low: A cartilage knee injury kept him out for three months between December and March and threatened to upset his season.

Style: Powerful, strong, an uncompromising defender.

Quotes: ""Phil Jones is a good young English player. One of the toughest defenders I played against last season. Can play midfield too," Wayne Rooney ahead of Jones' transfer in June 2011.

Trivia: A regular Saturday night for Jones involves watching himself on Match of the Day with parents Mark and Helen, with whom he still lives.