Jones Determined To Stay Fit

Manchester United defender Phil Jones is confident his recent injury problems are behind him after he returned to action during Sunday's barnstorming 3-0 win over Liverpool.

The 22-year-old started the first three fixtures of the campaign and was voted ManUtd.com’s Player of the Month for August ahead of fellow nominees Wayne Rooney and Tyler Blackett. However, a hamstring injury sustained while representing England meant he did not feature for Louis van Gaal again until the 2-2 draw at West Brom on 20 October.

A few days later, Jones was diagnosed with shin splints and was unable to play until last weekend, when an injury to Marcos Rojo on the eve of the Liverpool clash prompted his earlier-than-expected return to first-team action.

"I started the pre-season and played every single game and took part in every single training session," Jones told reporters after the match. "Then on international duty, I pulled my hamstring and I've never had a muscle injury in my life so it was disappointing. When I was coming back I then had shin splints. Unfortunately that's just the way it has been."

Jones clearly hopes his latest comeback will span the remainder of the campaign, and feels his work at the Aon Training Complex could help him maintain full fitness and retain his place in the manager's plans.

"I have been doing a lot in the gym and hopefully that will stand me in good stead for the rest of the season," he said. "I've been doing strength work, yoga, Pilates and loads of other stuff. I will do anything I can to improve myself and hopefully I can look after myself in games too, to make sure I stay fit.

"That’s my aim right now - to stay fit and stay focused, and get a run of games under my belt."