Jones: There's A Buzz About The Place

Phil Jones believes he is over his recent injury problems and is now determined to establish a rhythm that will help Manchester United climb the Barclays Premier League table.

The 22-year-old made a fine start to the season to claim ManUtd.com’s Player of the Month award for August, but then suffered two separate injuries that have limited him to just nine first-team appearances this term.

In an interview with this Sunday’s edition of United Review, the matchday programme at Old Trafford, Jones assesses the campaign from a personal perspective and shines a light on his recent issues with shin splints.

“It is more of an injury that you associate with runners or basketballers," Jones explains. "It’s painful! Every time you stamp your foot or push off, it’s like someone has got a little dagger and is knifing you in the bottom of the leg! But it has gone now, I’m over it and I’m looking forward to the future.”

With regards to the future, Jones is confident of a strong finish under the guidance of Louis van Gaal. "We’ve learned his way of playing and what he wants in every game," added the defender. "The demands are high, especially in training, but it’s what we needed and I think everyone has responded really well to it.

"Everyone’s training really well, there’s a buzz about the place and hopefully, in the back end of the season now, we can finish strongly. Whichever system we play with, we know what we’ve got to do in those positions. Everyone’s fully aware of that and I think we’re more than capable of playing both formations now, and doing it comfortably.

“First and foremost, we need to make sure that we definitely qualify for next season’s Champions League. Beyond that, who knows? Let’s see where we are in March or April and go from there. If we’re still picking up points and the top two are dropping points, then maybe it is possible [to still win the league].”