Injury Concern For Jones

Phil Jones appears to be the main injury worry for Sir Alex Ferguson as the Manchester United manager plots his team to take on Real Madrid.

Jones started in a defensive midfield role on Sunday and helped to nullify the threat of Marouane Fellaini - a talisman in Everton's previous two positive results against the Reds (4-4 draw, 1-0 win). But the versatile young United player was in the wars, limping heavily at the end of the first half and ultimately having to withdraw from the match early in the second period.

"He got a kick in the calf and we'll have to monitor it," Sir Alex told MUTV.

Jones was replaced in the 56th minute by Michael Carrick, who was taking a well-earned break from the starting eleven. United's other substitution in the match was also enforced, as Chris Smalling came on for Jonny Evans at centre-back for the last nine minutes plus injury time.

"Jonny Evans had a bit of cramp," reported Sir Alex. "I think he's just lacked a couple of games. He only had forty-five minutes for Northern Ireland in midweek. He had to travel to Malta for that. We'll see what he's like tomorrow."

The manager admitted he was relishing the Real Madrid match and another chance to pit his wits against Jose Mourinho, a spectator at Old Trafford on Sunday.

"I had a chat with Jose before the game, he was in good form," said Sir Alex. "We're both looking forward to the game on Wednesday. It'll be terrific."