Jones Determined To Improve In 2015/16

Although satisfied by the way this season has panned out, Phil Jones believes the new 2015/16 campaign should focus solely on improvement – for both himself and Manchester United as a team.

Jones endured a frustrating first half to the season that was troubled by injury, but bounced back and produced a series of impressive displays from the New Year onwards. Although he only registered 24 appearances in total, his joint lowest tally in four seasons at Old Trafford, the defender is encouraged by his recent form under Louis van Gaal and believes he can push on following a strong pre-season campaign.

“Yeah I think the season has been reasonably good for me,” Jones told reporters after Sunday's final game at Hull City. “I had a good run of games towards the middle and back end of the season when I felt like I was in really good form at the time. I had a little injury and then I was out for a game, but hopefully next season I can be even stronger.”

The Reds' 0-0 draw at Hull confirmed fourth place in the Barclays Premier League, a final position which secures a place in the Champions League qualifiers but stirs a desire to improve next season. On that point, Jones said: “Listen, we are not kidding ourselves. It is a steady progression. We are not absolutely ecstatic about finishing in fourth - that is not the case at all. We are satisfied at finishing fourth and the aim was to finish in at least that position at the start of the season. We have done what we needed to do, but we need to improve upon that next season.”

Meanwhile, Jones has reserved special praise for Victor Valdes following his action-packed full debut at the KC Stadium, where he produced a number of top saves to keep the Tigers at bay during his first 90-minute match in English league football.

“He was terrific,” explains Jones. “He pulled off some wonderful saves for us. He was key at vital moments in the game and they threw a lot at us today but he was always there and he stood firm. Credit to him because he is a great goalkeeper. He has very good English and he is good at communicating.”

After Sunday's final match of the season, van Gaal gave a short speech to his players in the dressing room to conclude his first campaign in charge of the club and Jones admits the boss kept it short and sweet.

“He thanked us for all for our efforts this season and said that it probably wasn’t our best performance, which we are aware of. But the main thing was that we tried to qualify for the Champions League and we have done that, albeit with a difficult qualifying game to come. But we will be ready for that.”