- Premier League
Jones eyeing Manchester United centre-back berth
The England international remains keen to earn a place in the Red Devils' defence but admits he may have shot himself in the foot with his impressive midfield displaysManchester United defender Phil Jones believes he may struggle to earn a start in his favoured centre-half position having impressed during recent midfield outings.
The 20-year-old, who joined the club from Blackburn in 2011, started in the middle as the Red Devils earned a point against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in their last league outing.
And, after Sir Alex Ferguson described Jones' performance in that game as "absolutely brilliant", the England international has conceded that he might not return to the defence for some time.
“Yes, I kind of shot myself in the foot a bit!” he told the Mirror.
“I’ve said all along that centre-half is where I feel most comfortable. I understand and read the game better there. But wherever I am asked to play I will play there.
“I’m at Manchester United and I love playing for this club, so I’m happy to play anywhere.
"I didn’t have a great start to the season, but hopefully I can push my way into the side and get some games under my belt.”
The Preston-born stopper also talked up the potential of his partnership with fellow Red Devils youngster Chris Smalling.
“Prior to the two games Chris and I have played together recently, we have played quite a lot together for England Under-21s," he added.
“We know and understand each others’ game. It’s not a problem playing together at the back.”
Jones went on to express eagerness to make up for last season's disappointing, last-gasp loss of the Premier League title to Manchester City.
“That’s what the gaffer said to us before the game and that’s exactly what we are going out to achieve," he continued. “We have a good team here and a solid foundation.
“All credit to Robin Van Persie. He has come in and has been unbelievable for us this season and has got lots of goals.
“But we’ve got players, who are just as good and Chicha and Wazza have proved that against Fulham. This year we are more concentrated on us and what we are about. It has definitely helped us on the pitch.
“You can see that on the pitch with all the lads and in training. It’s a laugh, but we are focused and are really gelling.
“Last season was last season and it’s been and gone. We had to focus on what is in front of us now. We have lots of games coming up.
“There are a lot of tricky games and it is a tough period but we know if we have everyone fit then with the big squad we have we will be fine.”
|Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25|
|Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200|
|Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets|
Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
Ligue 1 awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from France over the course of the season
Why Real Madrid are appointing Ancelotti
After the decision to dispense with Jose Mourinho was announced on Monday, the Spanish side have set their sights on the PSG coach, and he looks like the ideal man for the job
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season
Goal.com English - Ireland
- America (EN)
- United Kingdom (EN)
- India (EN)
- Ireland (EN)
- Malaysia (EN)
- Singapore (EN)
- Canada (EN)
- Australia (EN)
- Nigeria (EN)
- Ghana (EN)
- Kenya (EN)
- South Africa (EN)
- España (ES)
- Argentina (ES)
- Colombia (ES)