Jones Outlines Aims

Shortly after Manchester United touched down in Shanghai for the start of Tour 2016, presented by Aon, we spoke to Phil Jones about pre-season and his hopes for the new campaign...

How was your summer – did you get chance to recharge the batteries?
Yes, it was good and probably what I needed after a long, difficult season with injury. I’m well rested now and looking forward to the start of the season.

Are you looking forward to getting stuck into some serious pre-season training now?
Definitely. We’ve had a good couple of weeks under the new manager now as, slowly but surely, everyone’s getting back together after the internationals. We’ve got a good squad this season, we’ve signed some good players and everyone’s looking forward to and excited about the new season.

You’ve been on pre-season tours with United before but the level of global support never ceases to amaze, does it?
It’s incredible. The fan base we have over here in China is enormous and especially the new lads will see it first-hand. But it’s always great to see.

Injury disrupted you last season, so what are your goals for the coming campaign?
I’ve always set little targets and goals but this season I just want to play football and enjoy it, to be honest. Just enjoy training, enjoy football and being back with the lads, and take it from there.

How have the early training sessions been under the new manager?
They’ve been really good – really sharp and intense. All the lads are in good spirits and there is some good football being played in training. We’re only two weeks back into it, so it’s positive, and we have a couple of games coming up that will be a good test, which is what we need.

What are you expecting from the games against Dortmund and City?
I think it will be a difficult task – they’re too good teams. It’s pre-season but it doesn’t make a difference – we still want to win the games and the manager has stressed that right from the start. We need to instil that winning mentality and obviously there will be changes here and there, to ensure everyone gets games, but hopefully we’ll win the games as well.

How are the new boys settling in and what are your early impressions of them as players?
I think they’re two great additions to the squad – I’m talking about Bailly and Micki, as Zlatan hasn’t linked up with us yet – but they’re great signings and I’m sure they’ll play a vital role for us in the future.