Manchester United utility man and gurning great Phil Jones has had a season to forget and the latest internet trend at his expense will be unlikely to turn his fortunes around.
After a dismal season for United and an increasing number of comical faces during games, things could not possible get any worse for Jones, could they?
But indeed they have as the England international was bombarded with abuse on Twitter following a request for questions.
The 22-year-old took to the social media site and posted: “Guys, you can send me questions today using the hashtag #AskPhilJones and I will answer some of them in a Q&A video. Stay tuned!”
After initially getting some good responses from fans, many then decided to stick the boot into the former Blackburn player with a tirade of mocking tweets at both his and the club’s expense.
How are you going to spend Tuesday and Wednesday nights next season? #AskPhilJones
— FootballFacts101 (@FootballFact101) April 15, 2014
Looking for a new sunday league side, when are united next holding trials? #AskPhilJones
— BenHoopsBowers (@sirbenhbowers) April 15, 2014
#AskPhilJones on a scale of Demichelis to 10 how slow is Rio ?
— March 18th (@youloveSlexy) April 15, 2014
While some messages were made in jest, others had a more sinister tone to them and questioned his ability as a footballer.
#AskPhilJones you were worth 17 million 3 yrs ago. Given your progress how much do you think you’re worth now? 5 or 6 million
— David Nixon (@nixon80) April 15, 2014
#AskPhilJones how on earth are you a professional footballer?
— joe rowan (@joerowan14) April 15, 2014
It was not only Jones who was receiving abuse from the tweets but also United team-mates Rio Ferinand and Tom Cleverley – the latter has come in for a lot of criticism this season.
The 24-year-old was the subject of a petition recently to get him banned from going to the World Cup this summer in Brazil and fans didn’t hold back with their abuse.
@PhilJones4 do you ever pull this face at Cleverley when he gets a game? #AskPhilJones pic.twitter.com/3N4nG0zwKZ
— Jonny Walker (@jonnyw91) April 15, 2014
#AskPhilJones who is the better player cleverly or djemba djemba?
— Theo Gregory (@Theo_Gregory) April 15, 2014
However, not all the messages were offensive and some even praised Jones’ footballing ability.
When are you going to let Ozil out your pocket?! He hasn’t been the same since #askphiljones @PhilJones4
— Sachin (@hashtagsach) April 15, 2014
Image courtesy of ITV via Youtube with thanks
