Jones Rues Misfortune

Phil Jones feels Manchester United were unfortunate at both ends of the pitch as the Reds ended the Champions League group stage with a second successive defeat, this time at home to Cluj.

The fit-again defender was deployed at right-back and helped to raise the tempo in the second period, especially after the Group H winners fell behind to a stunning strike from Luis Alberto in the 56th minute. But Jones and United were left to rue an unusual lack of ruthlessness in front of an expectant Stretford End.

"We were probably missing a little bit of urgency in the first half," admitted Jones on MUTV, "but I think we had that in the second half. Cluj were difficult to break down but we created enough chances, enough to win two games, and we put enough balls into the box. We just couldn’t stick our chances away while it was unfortunate they scored a wonder goal. These things happen."

This was Jones' second start of the season, and he started in a different position to the one he occupied in the first - when he partnered Michael Carrick in central defence for the 0-1 defeat to Galatasaray. But as for which is his best berth... "That's up to the manager. I’ve always said I prefer centre-back but I’m happy to play wherever I’m asked.

And if Sir Alex Ferguson asks Jones to clock up another 90 minutes against Manchester City on Sunday, he'll be ready.

"We all are [up for it]," Jones said. "We know it’s a big game for both clubs and hopefully we can come out on top. We're aiming to extend our lead, let's hope we can do that.