4 Areas for Manchester United's Phil Jones to Improve in 2015/16 Season

Phil Jones' position in the Manchester United squad seems reasonably assured for the time being. He has signed an extended contract this summer after forming a decent partnership with Chris Smalling toward the end of last season. 

However, although Jones' potential has been talked about in glowing terms by Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, he has not yet developed into a true world-beater. With the club linked with plenty of top-quality defensive talent this summer, Jones will have to continue to improve if he wants to hold down a first-team place at United in the long run. 

Here are four areas of his game that need attention if he is to become the player United fans want him to be.

Injury Record

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This is an easy first pick for Jones. 

His injury record thus far has hampered his development quite significantly. After an injury-free first campaign at Old Trafford, he missed 25 games in the 2012/13 season, eight games in 2013/14 and 15 games in 2014/15, per Transfermarkt.co.uk. United only played 38 league games last season, meaning Jones missed more than a third of them. 

One way he can reduce injuries is by paying more heed to his own physical safety on the pitch. His full-bodied, committed style is full of passion and heart, but that is not much good to United if he spends a third of his time on the treatment table.

Improvement is sorely needed in this regard.

Leadership

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Jones should be a natural leader. His courage in particular could have an inspirational effect on players around him. However, it was Chris Smalling who was made "third captain" at United last season, according to Louis van Gaal, per the Mirror. 

Leadership is a vital quality in a centre-half, particularly when he's playing in a variety of partnerships. If Jones and Smalling were able to play the majority of games alongside one another, it would be less crucial. However, since he could be playing alongside Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Paddy McNair, Daley Blind, Jonny Evans or a new signing, the ability to lead becomes significant.

Whether it's guiding young players through games, or helping players recovering from injury to rediscover their match rhythm, Jones needs to develop the confidence to lead.

Balance

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When Van Gaal talks about the balance of United's "selection," he is referring to the overall makeup of the squad. This, however, refers to literal balance. 

Phil Jones needs to fall over less. 

Last season, the most notable example of this was, of course, his headed tackle against Olivier Giroud, as he compensated for slipping on the edge of the area. But seeing Jones stumble was hardly unique. Perhaps this is yet another effect of his bombastic style—he is so keen to get into challenges that he over-commits and stumbles. 

Whether through a change of boot style or some kind of specialised coaching, the England man needs to get better at staying on his feet.

Attacking Contribution

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Jones does not score enough goals. Van Gaal even put him on corner duty for a spell last season because he was so ineffective at getting on the end of set pieces. 

It is not just his attacking headers that need to improve, though. He does a fine job of carrying the ball out of defence, often running deep into enemy territory. However, the end product of those runs needs work. 

With Smalling managing four goals last time out, Jones has some catching up to do.