Jones Plays Down Importance Of Liverpool Match

Phil Jones insists Sunday's Barclays Premier League encounter at Liverpool is not make or break for Manchester United's top-four bid.

The Reds have been buoyed by the excellent performance against Tottenham Hotspur and approach this weekend's trip to Anfield in fine spirits, looking up the table at second-placed Manchester City rather than worrying about dropping out of a UEFA Champions League qualifying spot for the first time since November's 2-1 victory at Arsenal.

Liverpool may be unbeaten since their 3-0 loss at Old Trafford on 14 December, but Jones is adamant there are equally important fixtures throughout the run-in.

"I think most players are very aware of what the game holds - what it’s about and what it means to the fans," Jones told MUTV. "Maybe not so much the players who have just come in this season but they’ll soon find out on Sunday!

"It’ll be a great atmosphere. It’s always a difficult place to go, Anfield, but it’s about us and what we’re going to do and how we go about our game. Hopefully, that will be enough.

"The first five minutes are always frantic. It’s energetic, aggressive and there is a lot of passion. Keeping a cool head is a good way to start the game. Concentration is vital in a game of this magnitude and you can’t go to Anfield and not be aggressive.

"It’s a big game and everyone looks out for it when you see the fixtures come out at the start of the season. But let’s not get carried away. It isn’t the main game of the season and won’t make or break our season. There are another eight afterwards that are going to make or break the season and they are all massive games in their own way.

"It’s important, I’m not disputing the fact it’s an important, big game for us and for the fans but I’m trying to make you aware there are eight other games which will have a huge impact on our season as well. Hopefully, we can go there and be in good form on the back of a good win that will carry us into the game on Sunday."