Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has suggested that the club made an error in releasing a highly promising young talent, whom he describes as ‘incredible’ for his ability to consistently retain possession

Phil Jones spent 12 years at Manchester United and shared the dressing room with countless talented players during that period. Since leaving the club in 2023, he has turned his attention to earning sports leadership qualifications, often looking back on his time at Old Trafford and the remarkable individuals he crossed paths with.

Speaking recently, Jones reserved special praise for former United academy graduate Álvaro Carreras, who is now plying his trade at Real Madrid. Reflecting on his memories of the defender, Jones repeatedly referred to him as an “incredible” player and admitted he did not fully anticipate Carreras rising to such an elite level. He recalled that even during a loan spell at Preston North End, regular game time was far from guaranteed.

Jones suggested that early doubts around Carreras may have stemmed from assumptions about his pace and his somewhat unorthodox running style for a full-back. Despite that, he stressed that the Spaniard’s technical quality was exceptional, describing him as extremely composed in possession and someone who rarely lost the ball. The former United defender confessed he was taken aback when the club decided to move him on.

Carreras was sold to Benfica in 2024 for a relatively small fee, only to secure a major transfer to Real Madrid a year later. That deal reportedly earned United more through a sell-on clause than they did from the initial sale itself.

Now a regular for Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso, Carreras has cemented his place at the highest level. It is understood that figures at United now view his departure as a costly error, particularly as the club searches for a new left-sided defender. Jones’ remarks reflect that same feeling, reinforcing the idea that Carreras was never truly given the chance to demonstrate his quality during his time at Manchester United.