COMMENT: Forget the critics. Ignore the snipers. The kid had everything. Ability. Attitude. Physique. When Sir Alex Ferguson likened him to the greatest of the Busby Babes, he was right. Twelve years ago Phil Jones was a potential world-beater...

Of course, Sir Alex has been pilloried for that famous comparison all those years ago. The Scot declaring Jones, 'the next Duncan Edwards', just days into his move from Blackburn Rovers. But the comparison was realistic. It was deserved. Jones had the physique and athletic ability of Edwards. Just as he did the ball-playing qualities. It was those qualities which had Ferguson fielding his new protégé at right-back and in midfield just to get the lad into the first team and accelerate his adaption. As we say, they had a potential world-beater on their hands and Sir Alex tried every which-way to help the then 20 year-old settle in.

And for those early seasons it worked. Those memories are now fading, but Jones was a revelation in his first years as a United player. Particularly as a makeshift right-back. The kid was unstoppable. A steamroller. A bulldozer with a Lotus engine. The Premier League's left-backs had not seen anything like it. A 6ft madman charging at them at full pace, but with the ability to keep possession. It was genuine powerhouse stuff. And it was such form and that promise of what could come which had several of Edwards' former teammates backing Sir Alex's previous claims.

Wilf Mannion would say: “I hear what people are saying about Phil Jones and that's fine but I wouldn't want to saddle him with the Edwards comparison - I don't think that would be fair on the lad.

“But there are similarities. There is no question about that and I certainly think Jones is going to be a player in the mould of (Roy) Keane, (Bryan) Robson and (Paul) Ince for United." Paddy Crerand, the 1968 European Cup winner, would also reveal: “If you talk to Bobby Charlton, Phil Jones reminds him of Duncan Edwards with his power and build."

Sometimes it's just too easy to forget. Or is that, it's just too easy to criticise? The Phil Jones who today is a free agent and in talks about a fresh chance in Salonika, was also the Phil Jones who had the admiration of Sir Bobby Charlton. For ability. For potential. Jones was as talented as any player signed during the Ferguson era.

It wasn't attitude. It wasn't application. And it certainly wasn't ability. None of these qualities prevented Jones from fulfilling the potential of those early years. It was injury. Pure and simple. Bad luck. Bad management. We'll let Phil be the final judge of that when he writes his book. But those critics who have claimed the World Cup veteran just wasn't that good, simply weren't paying attention - or perhaps they weren't even around...

Ravel Morrison is a modern day folk-hero for Manchester United fans. Indeed, even for some - if not many - of his ex-teammates. As a young player, in terms of ability, he had everything. Except, that is, for application and attitude. But that still doesn't prevent the likes of Rio Ferdinand to consistently raise Morrison's name whenever the discussion reaches 'what could've been'

This column can understand that. Morrison is a myth. A legend of that type. But what about Jones? What about what he could've given Manchester United if not for his rotten luck with injuries? Shouldn't he be afforded similar status?

In any case, it is now Phil Jones, formerly of Manchester United. After twelve years he's been moved on. But he's not hanging up his boots. Those reports last week about talks with Aris Salonika are spot on. This column being told revised demands from Jones' camp will be tabled to Aris directors this week after a first proposal was ruled out by the Greeks. Aris are serious about signing the 31 year-old. Enthusiasm exists at the same level on both sides of the negotiating table. Just as there is a willingness to try to make this work.

And if both parties were to look back into United's history, they would find inspiration. At 30, Paul McGrath was offered a payoff by Sir Alex to retire. The Irishman's knees appeared shot and Ferguson urged McGrath to hang up boots. However, instead, McGrath grabbed a lifeline from Aston Villa, where he would spend the next seven years; play in a World Cup with the Republic of Ireland; and leave Villa Park as one of the club's greats.

At United, they were saying the same about McGrath back in 1989 as they're saying about Jones today. But why can't Aris be Jones' Aston Villa? For his ability, his attitude and his physique the best years can still be ahead for Phil Jones. He just needs some luck with those injuries.