Jones Enjoying Pre-season Tour

Prior to Wednesday's game against LA Galaxy, we spoke to Phil Jones about the trip to the States so far…

How is the tour going so far for you? It’s going well. It’s nice to be back in America and the lads are all excited to be here. Training has been great under the new boss – fun but tough as well, which is what you need in pre-season.

Pre-season tours are all about fitness but they’re good for team bonding as well… Definitely. We’re always together doing activities away from football and commercial work, and it’s great to be part of a close-knit team like this.

Is everyone in the squad keen to get going again in the new season? Yes, we have a new manager with a new philosophy and we’re all excited to be part of that, working underneath him.

Is it good to be back with the United lads and preparing for the new campaign? It’s always good to be back. On the first day of training you’re like a kid at Christmas, having banter with the lads and looking forward to coming away. Now we’re in the US, the tests start and the real work gets done in preparation for the start of the season.

After LA Galaxy, how much are you looking forward to facing some European giants? Very much so – they’re exciting games. Playing the likes of Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid can only stand you in good stead for the start of the season. They’re top-quality teams and we’ll be tested against them. But we want to win whatever tournament or competition we’re in and this one will be no different.

Patrice Evra came to say farewell to the squad in LA. How would you sum up what he has done for the club? He’s been an incredible player for Manchester United. He came to say his goodbyes to the lads, which was nice, and we wish him all the best. He’s been a fantastic servant to the club, in the same category as Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. He’s been an important player and we’ll miss him.

The tour is a great way for new men Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw to settle in, isn’t it? Yes, it’s great for them to come out on tour as that’s when you spend most time with each other. Ander and Luke are great lads: top players but very grounded too. They’ve been settling in just fine.

What will they bring to the squad? Ander has great passing ability in midfield and is sharp. Luke is quick and likes to get forward but he can defend as well. They’re two great signings.

Credit: Mnautd.com