Manchester United defender Phil Jones has hit back at Rio Ferdinand's criticism earlier this season.

Former teammate described him as a "waste of time" at Old Trafford as he is taking up a spot which could be held by a youth team player.

Jones has now come through to full U23 games injury free this season.

"Listen, the respect I've got (for Ferdinand) is enormous," Jones told The Times. "I've shared a dressing room with Rio — great professional. Loved playing with him. Great lad, good humour. Learnt so much off him.

"But what he said was poor. Really poor. I'm not into disputes, not into arguments, and if he didn't know (what has been going on behind the scenes), he didn't know."

Jones also revealed: "It was the lowest I've ever been as a human being.

"I used to come back (from United's training ground) and be in bits.

"My head was an absolute mess. I'd be in tears. I'd say to (wife) Kaya, 'I don't know what to do'. I remember us both crying."