Jones Delighted To Be Back

Manchester United defender Phil Jones couldn't hide his delight after making his long-awaited return from injury in Sunday's 3-1 win over Swansea.

The centre-back - who hadn't featured for the Reds since January's home win over the Swans - was named in the starting line-up for the game at the Liberty Stadium, and put in a commanding display at the heart of the defence.

After the game, Jones opened up about his 'nightmare' spell on the sidelines, but says his focus is now on impressing Jose Mourinho and earning a regular place in the side.

“I’m delighted to have started," Jones told MUTV. "I worked hard to get to where I am, it’s been a difficult few months. Watching the lads play and not being able to be involved was tough, but today was a really good feeling for me.

“It’s been a nightmare. It’s been difficult for me but all I can do is keep plugging away and never give up. Today is an example; I’ve worked so hard to get back and play in games like that. It’s what I love doing. I just want to play as many games as possible, if the manager sees that I’m fit enough to play and doing a good job for him, I’m delighted to be playing again.”

Asked whether or not he was feeling the effects of his lengthy lay-off, Jones said: “Yeah, I suppose I was towards the end! Your calves go or your hamstring is a bit tight, but it’s just great to be back with a few scrapes and bruises on my legs again. It’ll be nice to wake up a bit sore in the morning and remember what it feels like."

Jose Mourinho's men ran out comfortable winners in South Wales, courtesy of Paul Pogba's long-range volley and a brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Jones hailed the performance as one of United's most impressive this season, but believes it's important for the Reds to pick up where they left off after the international break.

“That was one of the best attacking displays we’ve produced this season," he added. "We created chance after chance and carved them open. People will say that Swansea are near the bottom of the league but, believe me, it’s not an easy place to come, I’ve been here plenty of times and it’s not easy.

“We need to [go on a run] because it wasn’t good enough against Fenerbahce and we know that. We’ve had to dust ourselves down quickly, everyone from the manager to the players and staff – we went again today and that’s what we’ll keep doing. If we keep plugging away, we’ll get results."