Phil Jones reveals the Man United team-mate who ‘was always late’ for training and meetings – as former Red Devils star claims he ‘didn’t think it bothered him too much’
- Phil Jones made 229 appearances for Manchester United during 12 years at the club
- The former defender has opened up on why United teammate was ‘always late’
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Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has given an insight into the Old Trafford dressing room during his time at the club and revealed which star struggled with his timekeeping.
Jones, 32, made 229 appearances for the Red Devils over 12 years but retired earlier in 2024 after struggling with injuries during his final years in the game.
The former centre-back, who also earned 27 caps for England, won five trophies with United and played alongside several notable players including Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, towards the end of his time at United they were struggling as the club have not won the Premier League for over eleven years now.
And Jones, who has been involved in expertise and coaching since retiring from playing, opened up about some of the issues faced by United, revealing a teammate was regularly late for training and meetings.
“How long do we have?” he said SPORTS Bible. ‘Anthony Martial… always late. Yes, always late – training, meetings, bus.’
Phil Jones has revealed the Manchester United teammate who was ‘always late’ to training
Former Red Devils defender Jones made 229 appearances for the club during 12 years at Old Trafford
The 32-year-old claimed Martial didn’t seem too concerned about his time-keeping issues
‘Yes, yes, yes (he must have received huge fines). I don’t think it bothered him much!’
Martial left United in the summer after nine years at the club, with the Frenchman scoring 90 goals in 317 appearances.
However, after a promising start – where he was tipped to go straight to the top – Martial struggled with his form and fitness and was regularly at the forefront of fan criticism.
He moved to Greek side AEK Athens this summer and the 28-year-old has scored three times in seven games for his new club.
And when asked if Martial was the most fined player at United, Jones added: “He’ll be up there, he’ll be up there.”
Martial originally joined United in September 2015 for a fee that could rise to £57.6 million.
He won the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League at Old Trafford, but his final season was a summary of his final years with the Red Devils.
Martial’s last game for the club was a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in December 2023, before the forward underwent groin surgery in January and did not feature again.
Jones (left) was a teammate of the 28-year-old Frenchman (right) for eight years.
Martial left the club at the end of last season and now plays for the Greek side AEK Athens
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old – who also won 30 caps for France – looked back positively on his time at United when announcing his departure in May.
“It is with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye,” he posted on social media.
‘After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new leaf in my career.
“Since my arrival in 2015, I have had the enormous honor of wearing this shirt and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world. Manchester United will always remain in my heart.’
