After some stunning man marking performances against the likes of Marouane Fellaini Cristiano Ronaldo and Juan Mata, Sir Alex has been full of praise for his young centre-back. The boss is pleased with the 21-year old and highlights his versatility as one of the key factors.
Ahead of the league game away at QPR on Saturday, Sir Alex has given us the bad news that Phil Jones is likely to be out for around two weeks. The boss has given the England defender, who turned 21 today, an outside chance of being fit and ready to go to take on Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid side on March 5th.
Ahead of a crunch match against Everton who are rapidly turning into our bogey team, we’ve recieved the timely boost that Ashley Young will be fit again and is in line for a spot in the starting XI. It’s worth noting that the 4-4 draw against Everton probably cost us the title last season, they also beat us on the opening day this year.
When 20-year old Phil Jones started his Manchester United career, comparisons were made to the late United legend that was Duncan Edwards, but since then he hasn’t really set the world alight with his defensive capabilities due to persistent injuries, although the talent is clearly there for all to see.
After our win against West Ham, the boss was full of praise for the young defensive duo of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, who stood up to the powerful task of the West Ham attack and on the whole defended well. He also praised our play on the whole, but we need to take more chances when they come our way.
Revenge must’ve tasted sweet for the young man today, as City fans always sing the “you signed Phil Jones we signed Kun Aguero” chant, in only his second league appearance of the season he “shushed” the blues after Robin van Persie netted the winner in the second minute of injury time.
Sir Alex has today put our anxiety to rest with the news that Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa will be fit to face Wigan tomorrow, this comes after growing concerns that both would miss the game after picking up injuries whilst on international duty. Our defensive problems will still continue though, Phil Jones faces another 10 weeks out and Smalling faces another month on the sidelines.
ManUtd.com confirmed that the youngster suffered an injury setback on Thursday afternoon after a training session. The injury has been described as a knee meniscus tear and will keep Jones out for between 6-8 weeks after undergoing an operation yesterday.
It has been a strange week to be a Manchester United fan. In recent years, the summer transfer window has seen Sir Alex Ferguson – when not citing there is “no value in the market” – go quietly and efficiently about his business in preparing the squad for the coming season.
I am sure we are eagerly awaiting the restart of the Barclays Premier League on August 18th, not to mention watching United playing in their pre-season tour of South Africa, Asia, and Norway. However, until then, we have to make do with whatever football we can, and what better way than keeping an eye on the United stars currently taking part in Euro 2012 over in Poland and Ukraine. Read more
