Jones Sets Final Challenge

Phil Jones says it is imperative Manchester United reach the Capital One Cup final.

The Reds trail Sunderland 2-1 from the semi-final first leg at the Stadium of Light following Fabio Borini's penalty winner, and the visitors will be backed by a sizeable away following at Old Trafford.

With ex-United men Phil Bardsley, John O'Shea and Wes Brown in the Black Cats' defence, there will be no shortage of determination to shine back at Old Trafford and keep David Moyes' side at bay on Wednesday night.

When asked if the defeat to Chelsea, a seventh of the Barclays Premier League campaign, made the midweek cup tie even more important, Jones told ManUtd.com: "It was always massively important to us - we want to win every competition. Now we have to go out and produce the goods. We have to get to that final."

The Old Trafford crowd could play an important role as the Reds aim to set up an all-Manchester final at Wembley, barring a hugely improbable West Ham comeback at Upton Park against Manchester City.

"Listen, the fans have been terrific and they were great again on Sunday," stated Jones. "They've not had the easiest of times this season but they've stuck by us and that's important. We all need to stick together - fans, players, staff - and we'll come out stronger for that."