Should Evans be the one who stayed not Jones?
https://mover.uz/video/embed/TkTpdRNj/
Evans was United's 2nd best player under Moyes IMHO. Naturally preconceived ideas would have positioned people to think Evans would flourish with the acquisition of LvG. With the benefit of hindsight, he was right to get rid of Evans as he conspicuously struggled to adapt to his meticulous approach. It was clear with the pursuit of Hummels, and Ramos that Iron Tulip was desperate for a central defender that would contribute with ball progression to aid with the transition, but also one with indisputable quality to elevate the side as a collective, as opposed to purely from an individual standpoint. Additionally, its exceedingly likely that Louis would have expected to utilise a central defender from the academy, in which case the experience of the aforementioned playing at the highest level for club and country would have been invaluable. It was certainly the case the likes of Roshaun Williams and Tuanzebe were receiving praise from those familiar with the youth system, and it would turn out Fosu-Mensah who arrived the same year as the boss would also receive plaudits, I still remember being enamoured with his youth level performance at CB against Liverpool. In this way, both Evans and Jones weren't at the requisite standard.
United would spend an exorbitant amount of the time at the back, resulting in a raucous atmosphere. This led to people feeling ambivalent towards LvG, as there was the recognition that he had a desire to improve the side in offensive forays as exemplified with obtaining Di Maria, and Falcao when United had Rooney, RVP, and Mata; concurrently, United were drawing criticism for being tedious where it mattered ... the pitch. Similarities can be drawn with Arsenal under Emery, who also spent periods excessively at the back during the build up. As illustrated by:
Arsenal fans would often be bemused to see the clock ticking whilst the players passing it amongst themselves in non threatening areas.
Furthermore, I believe Evans benefits from the fact he was only at United for two seasons in the post Fergie era. For many, Jones is indicative of the inconsistent United. With Jones, he's perhaps had greater highs in the post Fergie era as far as his standing amongst the fan base in concerned, with posters on this very site claiming (at the time of him being a starter under Mourinho) he was one of the best defenders in the league, whilst others were including him in an ideal starting xl with fantasy transfers. The bigger the crescendo, the greater the disappointment. The fall being his incessant injuries, and clumsy performances. The expectation led to frustration. Whereas, those like myself who weren't convinced by Jones during that period, have confirmation bias whenever he does poorly. So, that's huge groups set up to be underwhelmed by Jones. As a result, it makes Evans more appreciated in retrospect. The reality is that it shouldn't be a case of should Jones have stayed, instead of Evans? No, it should be a case that neither player should still be at the club.