Soccer-Solskjaer defends Jones from Ferdinand criticism

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton v Manchester United - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - August 22, 2021 Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks on REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

(Reuters) - Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defended Phil Jones after former teammate Rio Ferdinand criticised the 29-year-old earlier this week.

Jones, who has spent an injury-hit decade at the club, played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley earlier this month -- his first game since featuring in last year's FA Cup third round tie against Tranmere Rovers in January.