Jones Ready For Hardest Tour Game

Phil Jones believes the opening tour clash with Club America in Seattle could be Manchester United's toughest pre-season fixture for many years.

The Reds' Mexican opposition have already played two matches in the 2015 International Champions Cup, losing 2-1 to LA Galaxy last weekend in Steven Gerrard's debut game but then winning by the same score against San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday.

After studying videos on Club America and being briefed about their players, Jones says Louis van Gaal's men can expect a hard-fought first match of Tour 2015, presented by Aon.

“I think this will be the most difficult pre-season game we’ve had since I started coming on tour with United,” said Jones, casting his mind back over the last four summers.

“We’ve seen clips of Club America and they look sharp and quick, with players who can all use the ball well. It’ll be a difficult test for us but one that we need and we’re looking forward to it.

“Improving our fitness is the most important thing but we want to win the game. We want to win every game we play and impress and show what we’re about, and hopefully we can do that.”

Fresh from signing a contract extension with the club, Jones says everyone in the squad is excited to get going again for the new season, especially with the boost of four new players.

“This is a fantastic club and I’ve really enjoyed my four years here. It was a special moment for me to sign a contract extension and I want to be here for many more years and win things. It’s a great place to be,” declared the defender.

“I’ve learned a lot since I joined. I think I’m a lot more aware of how to react when things are going well and when things aren’t going so well - you can be up one minute and then down the next. Things can happen to anyone at anytime and anywhere, you just have to be ready. That awareness comes with the more games you play and the more experience you get.

"We’ve definitely come on leaps and bounds from the start of last season. We had a tricky start but finished the season off strongly and hopefully we can start this one as well as we finished the last. It’s another big season for us. We need to be fighting for that top spot. We’ve signed some quality players and hopefully they can help us do that.

"The new players have been great since they’ve come in," he added. "The tour was massive for me when I joined [to help you settle in]. It’s a real help joining early, seeing what it’s like on tour and seeing the fans and getting to know the players. We know what they’re like on the field, they’re top players which is why the manager has signed them. They’re a great group of lads off the field as well.

"With the amount of trophies Bastian [Schweinsteiger] has won and the experience he has, he brings a lot to the team. He’s a world-class player. Morgan [Schneiderlin] has done terrifically at Southampton, and has been their best player for a couple of years now. He’ll be a great addition to the squad. Matteo [Darmian] is a terrific right-back, he’s quick and powerful. Memphis [Depay] has come in as well - he’s got great feet and an eye for goal and he’ll be a real threat to opponents."