The England international has helped the Red Devils to six clean sheets in their seven top flight matches.
And Wilkins has been impressed with the former Blackburn man who he thinks is finally maturing.
“I went for Phil Jones,” the ex-Chelsea player and assistant explained when asked who he thought the best centre-back this season is.
“I’ve been a big critic of Phil Jones over the last couple of years because I don’t really think he has done enough or improved himself enough to be a Manchester United player to be honest.
“But I think this season we have seen a different Phil Jones.
“I think that we’ve seen one that is more mature and is ready to play for Manchester United.
“Jose Mourinho’s picking him all the time in his first XI which is a great sign as well.
“I think Jones now is starting to come to the fore.”
Jones will hope to continue his good form for England in World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania.
After that the 25-year-old will head back to United and prepare for their next Premier League game against arch rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
The Red Devils are currently in second place with just Manchester City ahead of them on goal difference.
