THREEDOM!

United will not cast off the shackles until Amorim's defensive system is put in place throughout club - particularly the academy

- BY SIMON MULLOCK

FORMER Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes it is crucial the Old Trafford club offer boss Ruben Amorim much more than just financial support in the transfer market.

Jones spent 12 seasons with United after being signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in a £16.5million deal from Blackburn in 2011

He became a Premier League title winner under the club's greatest-ever manager before experiencing the spectacular fall from grace of United after the Scot retired in 2013.

Jones has been encouraged by the way that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sanctioned a summer spend in excess of £200million that has brought (right, from top to bottom) Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens to Manchester.

But he feels Amorim must be given time to make his methods work - and that the Portuguese’s task would be made easier if United overhauled the playing style of their academy so youth graduates are coached to play the three-at-the-back tactical system that the senior side's manager is committed to.