Jones: Time To Kick On

Fresh from scoring the only goal in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk, Reds defender Phil Jones called upon his team-mates to put together a winning run.

The England international broke the deadlock on 67 minutes, smashing in with the composure of a striker after Robin van Persie’s corner fell kindly for him. Jones was pleased with the Reds’ all-round performance and hopes that the result will prove to be a springboard as the champions strive to climb the Barclays Premier League.

"I think we had a bit more desire tonight and a bit more belief in ourselves," Jones said. "The first half was a bit shaky but we got to grips with the game in the second half and created quite a few chances.

“Hopefully we can now start picking up some points [in the league],” he added. “It starts on Sunday against Aston Villa, they’re a tricky team but we have to go there and get three points.”

“We’ve had a disappointing couple of weeks but hopefully we can start a run now and kick on. It’s really time we did so.”

The Reds' no. 4 was also quizzed on his preferred for position within the team, having started the Shakhtar Donetsk game in central midfield.

“I’ve played in a variety of positions - centre-mid (central midfield), centre-half and right-back - but I’ve always said that I’d like to play at centre-half. But if I keep playing in centre-mid, I’m happy to do that. As long I’m playing for Manchester United that’s the main thing.”