There seem to be few Manchester United players who are pining for Louis van Gaal.
The Dutchman was relieved of his duties last year, just days after winning the FA Cup.
Since Jose Mourinho took over, the Red Devils have clearly improved, even if that isn’t necessarily reflected in their standing of 6th in the Premier League.
Phil Jones has spoken of one major difference between Van Gaal and Mourinho, though, and it could explain his return to form and fitness this term.
“I feel there have been only three managers who have every truly believed in me and understood me as a player,” he told the Manchester Evening News.
“That’s not being critical of other managers but the only three were Sam Allardyce, Sir Alex Ferguson and now Jose Mourinho.”
It’s a clear omission for Van Gaal, who refused to restore him to the first team even when he overcame his most recent setback.
Injuries have ravaged much of his Old Trafford career, but he is starting to look like the centre-back United signed from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 again.
“I was on the bench at Wembley in the FA Cup final and during the last two months of the final season of Van Gaal last year I was fit and playing. I was just made to play reserve games,” he added.
“For whatever reason he thought I needed to be fitter. I had no problem with that, I just played the games. I did what I could do to get back in the team and unfortunately it didn’t really work out under him.
“But again that is football, some players are liked and some players aren’t.”
It seems Mourinho’s faith in him has also helped with his injuries, as playing regularly in the first team has got him back to the level he needs to be at.
The England international has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season.
Check out Football Advisor for profitable betting predictions
