Jones: Job Well Done

Phil Jones heralded a “professional performance” by United after the Reds beat Otelul Galati 2-0 to move top of Group C in the UEFA Champions League.

An early Antonio Valencia strike and a late Cristian Sarghi own goal sealed three points at Old Trafford and placed the Reds on the brink of qualification to the knockout stages. It wasn't plain sailing however - the Romanian champions made life difficult, showing the kind of work ethic that has made them a tough team to beat.

“It was a good performance,” declared Jones. “It probably wasn’t the prettiest of games to watch but we saw it out, got the clean sheet and scored two goals as well. But the lads have pulled out a professional performance and we got the three points. There are no mugs in the Champions League. They (Galati) are not in the Champions League for nothing and we stopped them from creating chances. We’ll build on that.”

The summer signing from Blackburn was once again operating outside of his natural centre-back berth, producing a swashbuckling performance on the right side of defence, as well as providing an able deputy to Valencia on the wing. One other Red playing out of position was Wayne Rooney, whose versatility in midfield is an invaluable asset to Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, according to Jones.

“He was great. He’s a fantastic lad and a fantastic player as everyone knows and wherever the manager asks him to play he’ll go and do that. He showed that tonight. I am happy to play anywhere in the team, too, whether at centre-back or right-back. The main reason I came here was to play in the Champions League and test myself against some of the best players in the world. I am doing that and enjoying it.”