OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says Rio Ferdinand was ‘out of order’ for his criticism of Phil Jones.

Ferdinand said that Jones should leave the club as he has had too many injuries and is taking up a place in the squad that one of the youth team players could have.

Now Man Utd boss Solskjaer has jumped to the defence of his centre back who has not played a competitive game for 19 months due to a knee injury.

Solskjaer said: "I think what Rio said was out of order, completely. I know more than anyone how it feels to be injured.

"Phil has had a horrible 18, 19, 20 months and was troubled for a year before that with injuries.

"Phil's still not 30, but since I came here he has battled against that knee injury and put his body on the line in every training session.

“He gets his head down and is a proper professional, no fuss family man and just wants to get back fit.

“He has never done anything but give everything for the club and Rio, he should no better than to go out and say this.

"I think Rio knows. I think he feels a little bit sorry about that one.

"I was out for two years in a three-year period with a knee injury and Phil has battled valiantly I would say.

"I know how he has felt because you are embarrassed at times coming in, but he has to look after his career and now he is getting back to fitness."

Jones played for the first time since January 2020 for half an hour in a behind closed doors friendly with Burnley last week.

Now Solskjaer can see him being ready for competitive first team action again in six weeks time.

He said: "We got him half hour against Burnley, he has played in training and is working his way back.

"I think we could give him a little bit more a month or six weeks and he will be there. It is great that he can see light at the end of the tunnel."

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