Center backs by trade, this season has seen both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones employed in a number of different roles.
Both have had stints at right back and Phil Jones is currently shining in the middle of the park alongside Michael Carrick but being played in these different positions are all part of their learning.
Because at some point in the future it is expected that we will see a Smalling/Jones central defensive partnership.
The two played together at the heart of defence for England at the European u21 tournament in the summer and Smalling is looking forward to partnering up with Jones for United too,
“I do hopefully see us eventually playing in the centre of the defence. We’re both young and that’s where ideally we want to play.
“There’s a good bond between me and Phil. We get on really well. Phil has done really well since he’s come in.
“I think he can play pretty much anywhere, which is good for United and England.
“We’re both happy playing anywhere. Playing in different positions, as we have been doing, is good experience for both of us.
“You have to be able to adapt. That’s important.”
I always see Smalling and Jones as our future centre back..it’s just unlucky for them that SAF prefers j.evans to partner ferdinand or vidic when one of them is being sidelined..if not because of the injury of rafael,I believe SAF would pick either smalling or jones to play at the centre back rather than j.evans..the fans always say that we need to buy a central midfielder and a left back to cover for evra,but I think an established right back should also be considered..