During his illustrious tenure at Manchester United, Phil Jones had the privilege of playing alongside some of football's greatest talents. From Wayne Rooney's formidable presence to Paul Scholes’ midfield mastery and Robin van Persie's striking prowess, Jones shared the pitch with legends.

In a recent interview with Planet Football, Jones reflected on his experiences and even crafted a dream XI featuring his former teammates. Notably, he singled out Nani as the right winger in his squad, revealing just how challenging it was to go up against the Portuguese winger in training.

Nani: The Training Ground Nightmare

Phil Jones did not hold back in describing Nani's influence. "Right wing, I’m going with Nani. When I signed for United, he was incredible. I absolutely hated playing against him in training," Jones confessed. He recalled Nani as a uniquely frustrating opponent, whose skill made even simple drills feel like a daunting task.

A Dynamic Duo on the Pitch

Jones’ admiration for Nani is echoed by many fans and players alike, including Andre Onana, who has praised the winger's trickery. The duo played together in 51 matches, consistently achieving victory. Their combined efforts contributed significantly to the team's successes during their time at Old Trafford.

Careers Cut Short by Injuries

Regrettably, Nani's time at United came to an end in 2014, and Jones faced a tumultuous career battle with injuries that ultimately led to his retirement in 2023 at just 31. Nani hung up his boots in 2024. Despite their careers being cut short, both players left an undeniable mark on football, with Jones cherishing the memories of competing alongside such talented individuals.

Phil Jones may have stepped away from the pitch, but his stories from his days at Manchester United keep the spirit of those exhilarating training sessions alive.