Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has admitted that he is relishing the competition for places at centre-back following Phil Jones' recent return from a long-term injury lay-off.
Sidelined for two years, Jones made his return to the United first-team squad for the 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Old Trafford at the start of this month, starting alongside Raphael Varane in the heart of the defence.
Despite not having played a single minute of first-team football in more than 700 days, Jones did not look out of place, producing an admirable performance, even if Joao Moutinho's late winner took the gloss of his long-awaited return.
With Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Maguire all unavailable that day, Jones was called upon by interim manager Ralf Rangnick to step into the side and he cut an emotional figure following the full time whistle.
Delighted to see him return, Maguire, who is a good friend of Jones', has welcomed the increased level of competition that the former Blackburn Rovers man will bring.
"Of course, when you are playing and you want to be successful, you have got to have competition for places and you have got to have a good squad with depth," Maguire told United's club website.
"I think we have all seen Phil coming back from two years’ out and he was outstanding when he played. You know, it made me really happy to see him step back out on the pitch.
"I am good mates with Phil and I have spent a lot of time with him, when he has been injured in the tough, dark days that he has had.
"When he was back on the pitch, I was obviously in the stand, injured, for that game, but the way he performed, he was the best player for us that day and I am really pleased to see him back out there, because he has worked so hard over these last couple of years.
"He is now back fit, ready to go and ready to play games."
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