Jones Enjoys Tough Debut

Phil Jones had a baptism of fire - at least in terms of the temperature - as he made his first appearance for United following his summer transfer.

The baking-hot conditions in Chicago provided a stern physical test for the English champions, who started with Jones and his England Under-21 team-mate Chris Smalling at the heart of the defence. The 19 year-old new signing was eventually replaced, by Nemanja Vidic in the 75th minute, as Sir Alex Ferguson wisely refrained from deploying any outfield player for the full match.

"It was tough, very tough to play in heat like that, I struggled to breathe at times," Jones admitted to MUTV's David Stowell after United's 3-1 win over Chicago Fire.

"It was tough, very tough, but I still enjoyed it, being out there with the lads. It was nice to put the shirt on for the first time and as I've said previously, I feel at home now.

"I'm pleased we won. It just shows what the lads are about and what they're capable of to come back [from 0-1 down] in such a tough game. They [Chicago Fire] were a good team, they popped it around well. So credit to our lads, including all those who came on."