Jones: End 2013 On A High

Phil Jones says United must adapt quickly to two games in rapid succession as the Reds see out a momentous 2013 with two Barclays Premier League away fixtures against Hull on Boxing Day and Norwich on 28 December.

United travel to the KC Stadium for a 12:45 GMT kick-off on Thursday 26 December, with Norwich next up on Saturday 28 December at 15:00 GMT. Steve Bruce's Hull side have lost just once at home this season and have conceded only three goals in East Yorkshire.

"Steve Bruce has done a great job there," Jones told MUTV. "He's got the team he wanted, the players he wanted and that's the reason why they are performing in big games. We've definitely got to be wary of them because they will be tricky opponents on Boxing Day."

The challenge with Norwich, who have lost only twice at home this term, may be in the quick turnaround in fixtures. "You can prepare for Hull but there's only so much time and so much preparation you can do," adds Jones.

"Against Norwich, most of the preparation will be on the tactics board and in the team meetings, it probably won't be much outside on the training pitch. But we've got to be ready for [the game]."

Jones is keen to see the year out with two more victories and close the chapter on an unforgettable 12 months. "It's been a good year," he adds. "Picking that Premier League trophy up at the end of the season was special, with the old boss leaving as well. The last couple of months haven't been what Manchester United are usually associated with, but we're starting to bring that back. Overall it's been a good year."