Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has heaped praise on Phil Jones in the wake of his new contract with the club.

The 23-year old defender will now remain at Old Trafford until at least 2019 which has pleased Dutch tactician van Gaal to no end.

"We are delighted that Phil has signed a new contract. He is a talented footballer with great versatility and can play in a number of positions," he told the club's official website. "Phil is a relatively young defender who is developing all the time. He missed some of last season due to injury but I was impressed by his professionalism and attitude during those periods."

England international Jones has been with United since arriving from Blackburn Rovers for £16.5million in 2011. He has since made close to 130 appearances for the Red Devils, helping the club to the 2013 Premier League title.