Manchester United won away at Liverpool on Sunday to secure back-to-back league victories under Ruben Amorim for the first time but still sit down in mid-table after a slow start
Phil Jones in 2025
Phil Jones has given a clear verdict on Manchester United(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones still considers his old employers to be the biggest club in England - if not the world - despite their recent struggles on the pitch. The Red Devils had their lowest ever Premier League finish under Ruben Amorim last season and haven't won the league in more than a decade, but Jones - part of that last title winning squad - claims on-field success isn't the only factor.
United have picked up some big wins under Amorim, including at Manchester City last season and away at Liverpool on Sunday. However, they remain in mid-table and suffered a shock early Carabao Cup exit at Grimsby.
Even before the latest victory, though, Jones was making the case for United still leading the way in the 'big club stakes. "People say... United's not the biggest club any more - it is," he told Stadium Astro pitchside at United's September win over Chelsea.
"It is, unfortunately and you don't realise that, and people think 'How?' and 'Look where you are' and no, it doesn't work like that," he added.
"Man United is the biggest club, and for me the only other club that's comparable to Man United is Real Madrid. The only other club that's comparable. And I don't mean to sound biased... that's just how it is, that's just facts."
United boss Amorim found himself under significant pressure after a return of just seven points from the first six games of the season. Things have improved since, though, with wins against Sunderland and Liverpool in back-to-back games.
It's the first time the club have won two in a row in the league since the end of the 2023/24 season. Harry Maguire was the match-winner on this occasion, delivering a crucial late goal after Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo's early opener.
Harry Maguire celebrating his winner at Liverpool
Harry Maguire celebrating his winner at Liverpool(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"It is really important for me that is back-to-back, it doesn't matter about the opponent it is just the feeling of winning. The important thing is to think three in the row and that's the focus," Amorim told BBC Sport after the latest win.
"Sometimes we struggle to choose the right time to press. We didn't start well after the equaliser but we controlled the momentum and pushing them to their half when they had the ball is important and that is where we won the game."
With United having no European responsibilities this season, their very next game will provide an opportunity to earn three league wins on the spin for the first time since February 2024. They're back at Old Trafford, with Brighton the visitors - nine months on for a Seagulls win which prompted Amorim to claim his United squad might have been the worst in the club's history
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