Jones: Keep It up-Tempo

Phil Jones says it is essential that Manchester United maintain the high-tempo football that has yielded four consecutive wins in three competitions.

The England international is playing his part, excelling either as a midfield minder or rock-solid stopper at the heart of United's defence, and is revelling in the way the Reds have cranked up the rapid passing and quick attacking play - both of which are club hallmarks.

"We've shown in the last few games that we're starting to find our feet again in the United way," said Jones, following Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham.

"We're in a good place at the moment and the last four games have helped us get to that stage, after the disappointment of the two games against Everton and Newcastle. We've done well to bounce back. We needed to play at a higher tempo [than we had been before] and now we're playing well, we're passing the ball well and we need to keep on doing it. We needed to kick on over these last four or five games and we need to keep doing it."

Liverpool and Manchester City both won on Saturday so United couldn't make up any ground on those two teams, but sustained good form over the Christmas period could dramatically push the Reds up the table from seventh spot.

"Listen, we can only concentrate on our games," said Jones, referring to United's rivals. "We look forward to the games over Christmas. It's a chance to put points on the board rapidly and we need everyone fighting and ready to go."

Phil Jones was speaking to ManUtd.com and PA Sport.