Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has revealed Anthony Martial’s consistent tardiness during their time together at Old Trafford.
Jones described Martial as “always late” for training, meetings, and even team buses, adding that the French forward seemed unbothered by the penalties he incurred.
In an interview Jones remarked, “How long have we got?” when asked to name habitual latecomers, before confirming Martial topped the list. “Yeah, always late—training, meetings, bus,”he added. When pressed about fines, Jones humorously noted that it “didn’t seem to bother” Martial.
Jones Reflects on Career and Post-Football Plans
Now 32 and retired from professional football, Jones has embarked on a career in punditry and expressed interest in coaching.
Despite injuries plaguing much of his career, he secured five trophies at Manchester United and shared the field with icons like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Jones played alongside some of the sport’s elite, he also witnessed struggles among players adjusting to the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Martial, now with AEK Athens, faced challenges with injuries and expectations during his Manchester United tenure.
Concerns About Team Mentality
Martial’s timekeeping issues are part of broader criticisms of the mentality in the United dressing room following Ferguson’s departure.
In 2021, Wayne Rooney called out former teammates Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard for dancing and playing music in the dressing room after a loss.
Rooney shared his frustration in a column for The Times: “I went over, turned it off, and took the speakers out… because that’s my mindset.”
Reflecting on the incident, Rooney admitted his actions were driven by old-school values, acknowledging the younger players weren’t necessarily in the wrong.
Ferdinand’s Perspective on a Changing Culture
Rio Ferdinand also discussed the cultural shift at Manchester United. In a conversation with Jones, Ferdinand recalled calling Rooney after seeing Pogba and Lingard dancing on Instagram while the team struggled in the league.
Rooney reportedly told him, “It’s not the same anymore. There would be a big group looking at me like I’m mad if I said anything.”
Jones’ comments, coupled with reflections from Rooney and Ferdinand, highlight a significant evolution in the club’s dressing room dynamics, raising questions about the mentality within Manchester United’s modern squad.