Anthony Martial’s discipline issues have been exposed. (Image: Getty)
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones didn’t hold back when handed the opportunity to expose former team-mate Anthony Martial for his discipline issues at the club. Jones left United upon the expiry of his contract last summer before retiring earlier this year, and he is now on the pathway to coaching.
In the meantime, the 32-year-old has entered the world of punditry and has offered a fascinating insight into his 12-year United career on television, podcasts, and other media outlets.
Martial left United a year after Jones, becoming a free agent in the summer before joining Greek side AEK Athens.
The French forward has scored three goals in seven appearances and is enjoying an injury-free season – an issue that plagued his and Jones’ United careers.
The pair would’ve undoubtedly spent many sessions on the recovery table together, but that hasn’t stopped Jones from outing Martial’s poor time management.
At a recent public event, the ex-United No. 4 was asked which player from his time at the club had the biggest reputation for lateness.
Jones’ initial response suggested that it wasn’t a rarity, which speaks volumes of the decline in standards since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
But he then went all-in on Martial, also admitting that the 28-year-old was no stranger to a fine for his discipline.
Phil Jones outed Anthony Martial’s poor time management. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
“How long have we got? Anthony Martial. Always late. Yeah, always late. Training, meetings, bus,” Jones told .
“Yeah, yeah, yeah [he accumulated lots of fines]. I don’t think it bothered him too much. He’ll be up there [among the most fined players in the dressing room].”
Jones joined United in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers in a £17million deal. At the time, he was just 19 and one of the most highly rated young centre-backs in England.
He lifted the in the following season, Ferguson’s final campaign before his retirement sparked a decade of mediocrity at Old Trafford.
man-utd
Jones was dealt injury setback after injury setback for most of his long stay in M16 but accumulated 229 appearances and earned 27 caps for England.
The former centre-back is now eyeing a career in coaching, working with United’s Under-14 and Under-18 teams last season.
While he continues to work for his coaching badges, he has completed plenty of media work, including appearances on Jake Humphries’ High Performance podcast and Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE YouTube channel.
Martial should be in his prime years and will undoubtedly strive to earn a return to one of Europe’s major leagues at AEK or a big-money switch to the MLS or Saudi Arabia.