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Phil Jones has told David Moyes not to waste Manchester United’s millions on any new central defenders.

Nemanja Vidic heading for Inter Milan and time also ticking down on Rio Ferdinand’s career with the Old Trafford giants, Moyes will have to think seriously about defensive recruits when he makes his squad reinforcements this summer.

But Jones wants the ­opportunity to forge a ­partnership with Chris Smalling.

And with Jonny Evans to call on as well, the England international believes United are in good shape at the back.

Jones said: “I’ve played with Chris for three or four years in the England Under-21s and also United, and we have a really good understanding.

“We compliment each other well and when you look at other central-defender partnerships and how they grow and build, they get better by playing together.

“You make mistakes along the way — everyone does — but the more you play together and understand each other the better the partnership gets.

“Hopefully that can happen and hopefully we have shown the manager that we are ready for the challenge.”

Jones added: “It’s a cliché, but, in a squad like Manchester United, it’s healthy to have competition.

“It keeps you on your toes and ready, training hard every day and wanting it even more.

“Whoever we bring in, I’m sure me and Chris will always be knocking on the door.” United are currently producing the worst defence of the title in Premier League history.

The Reds, who finished 11 points clear last season, currently trail leaders Liverpool by a staggering 17 points and have just been knocked out of the Champions League.

Moyes has vowed to splash the cash in the summer. Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos, Luke Shaw of Southampton, Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan and William Carvalho of Sporting Lisbon have already been targeted.

But midfielder Darren Fletcher insists major surgery isn’t required on the squad.

Fletcher said: “I don’t think we are as far off as most people think. There’s a lot of quality and experience in the squad and people shouldn’t forget that.”