EPL: Manchester United top star to join Benfica this January

Manchester United defender, Phil Jones is set to leave the club and move to Portuguese giants, Benfica this January, according to Daily Mail.

The Portuguese giants had opened talk to sign Jones on loan in January.

The England defender has made 165 appearances in the Premier League for the Red Devils since his arrival back in 2011, including 17 times during the 2012/12 title-winning season under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 29-year-old’s carrier has been hit by injuries, with his last game being since January 2020 when he scored in the 6-1 FA Cup win over Tranmere.

Since his return from injury, the 29-year-old has been named on the substitutes bench on several occasions under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and new interim boss Ralf Rangnick, but never made it onto the pitch.

Rangnick has already confirmed that he’ll be focusing on selling some of his fringe players in the January window, meaning Jones could be allowed to leave if an offer was to arrive.

The newspaper reports that Benfica, who currently sit third in the Portuguese top flight, are currently looking to bring in a versatile defender on loan, a move which could suit both United and Jones.