Jones: Di Maria Is Exactly What We Need

Phil Jones is urging Manchester United to put on a show and prove Chelsea are beatable when the league leaders come to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Speaking as a special studio guest on MUTV's Thursday Focus, Jones admitted that Jose Mourinho's men are a "terrific team" but argued that the Reds have enough attacking ability to break down the Blues with the likes of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao on board and on form.

"[Eden] Hazard and [Diego] Costa are real threats, and they've got quality all over the park," said Jones. "You can run through the Chelsea team - they've got good players but then so have we."

When quizzed on Di Maria's attributes, Jones replied: "He's up there with the best, he's a fantastic footballer.

"He's a quiet lad, he goes about his business quietly around the dressing room. But he's got everything - he's got the skill, the speed, the awareness, he can score goals... and you could see it the other night, the balls he delivers are wicked and hard to defend against. He's exactly what we need."

Even though Chelsea are the Barclays Premier League's top scorers with 23 goals from their seven wins and one draw, Phil feels the onus will be on United to attack while Mourinho's men set up to primarily preserve their undefeated start. Last season at Old Trafford, the Blues managed to grind out a goalless draw despite the Reds' best efforts to win the match.

"They'll keep a good solid unit defensively and basically say 'Come and break us down'," assessed Jones. "We've got to find a way to do that. I think we really need to show them what we're about and how we can play. It's important to really express ourselves and not be afraid of playing against Chelsea. They're a good team but they're not unbeatable."

Jones acknowledges the need to close the gap on Chelsea, given United are already 10 points behind. "Definitely, especially being back at home. We want to pick up all three points. We would like to have done that the other night so it's even more important that we do that on Sunday."

Monday night's match at West Brom brought Jones back into action after an injury-enforced absence of four club fixtures. For someone who "ultimately enjoys playing football", it was a buzz to be in the team again, even if the result didn't quite go to plan.

The centre-back said: "It was a tough game against West Brom. They were very organised and it was tough in the first 15 minutes but once we got to grips with the game, I thought we created numerous chances. Looking at it, I think we should have won but it wasn't to be.

"It was disappointing to pick my injury up in the [September] international break but I always go and support the lads when I'm not playing, I watch the games and go into the changing room afterwards. As long as we're winning and playing well, that's the main thing. It was great to be back on Monday though and I'm feeling good. I'm fighting fit and ready for the games coming up."