Manchester United have received a huge defensive boost in the rather large shape of Phil Jones. The centre-back played 62 minutes of the U21 victory at home to Southampton. This followed his inclusion on the bench for the senior side’s 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.
Jones has said that he is fit to play in the final three games of the season – from which United need five points to guarantee a fourth place or higher finish in the league, and more importantly, Champions League football next season.
“I’m happy to play in the Under-21s and get some fitness, the lads did well. I feel I’m ready to go again and hopefully I can make the squad on Saturday”, Jones told MUTV. “Hopefully, I’ll recover on Tuesday, then train on Wednesday and Thursday, and see how it goes. I’ll take it from there.”
Jones will be targeting Paddy McNair’s spot in the starting eleven, who has been filling in during this mini injury crisis. He’s been impressive when called upon for most of the season but wasn’t the most convincing in recent games against Everton and West Brom.
The ex-Blackburn man added: “We have got a long way to go as there are still three games coming up, three massive games, and we have got to approach it in the right way. I’m sure we can do that and cement that top-four finish”.
Jones played a big part in shutting out Southampton’s Under-21s and also forced a fine save at the other end before assisting the only goal of the game in a well-rounded display. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him included from the start against Crystal Palace this weekend.
The other two fixtures are against Arsenal, at Old Trafford, before ending the season at Hull City.
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