Ferguson hit by Jones injury blow

Manchester United's victory at Arsenal came at a major cost.

Defender Phil Jones could be out for a month after being carried off with ankle ligament damage while Nani, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick all picked up knocks.

Boss Fergie said: "It's not good news. Jones will be out for a while and Carrick was feeling his hamstring in the second half. He just had to sit in the middle of the pitch."

United were already without crocked Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Michael Owen, Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic.

Jones sets himself scoring target

Phil Jones is targeting more goals in the second-half of the season.

After netting in consecutive games recently and hitting the woodwork at QPR, Jones has set his own target for the campaign.

"I’d probably like to end the season with five or six goals," he admitted to manutd.com. "That would be great. If I keep playing in midfield I’m sure I can get into goalscoring positions and bang in a few more."

Jones admits Man Utd teammates "tested" him off pitch in first days

Phil Jones admits he had to survive a virtual hazing when first arriving at Old Trafford.

Jones is currently nursing a fractured jaw suffered in last night's win at Fulham.

Before the game, Jones revealed to the Manchester Evening News: "You have to prove yourself to your team-mates. They test you out in the first few weeks and that is natural, it happens at every club. I got through that.

"On and off the pitch the players test you in situations and try to make you stand out like a sore thumb. You have to be sharp and luckily I was.

"I got through all that unscathed so I don’t think I have a lot to worry about now."

Jones sets off alarms at JJB Sports store

Phil Jones set off the alarm bells at a local JJB Sports store!

The Sun reports Jones and his girlfriend set off the alarms at the JJB sports store in the Trafford Centre.

It seems the barcode had not been removed from the yellow Premier League ball they had bought.

Sir Alex Ferguson: Phil Jones can handle pressure

 Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed defender Phil Jones and insists that the youngster can handle the pressure that goes with his position at the club.

The 19-year-old moved to Old Trafford during the summer and has since put in strong performances at club level, earning a call-up to the England team for the recent international friendlies against Spain and Sweden.

The former Blackburn Rovers defender played in both games and helped the Three Lions keep clean sheets on both occasions, with manager Fabio Capello singling him out for special praise by comparing him to AC Milan legend Franco Baresi.

Now the Red Devils boss, Sir Alex, maintains that the youngster can stand tall against the pressure of expectation that is descending on his shoulders.

"I don’t think putting pressure on him is a big worry. Not at this club," Sir Alex said, according to The Sunday Mirror.

"You don’t need to put unnecessary ­pressure on him, but I think he’ll find his own way all right.

"It’s difficult to make comparisons with other players. He’s a ­dynamic player, he’s quick, he’s two-footed.

"He’s got a great attitude to playing and he’ll be a good player.

"It certainly helps a young player’s ­education to play different positions - if he can do it. And he can. Centre-half will probably be his best position eventually."

Talk of Jones' leadership qualities may prompt speculation that he could potentially inherit the captain's armband at United. But Sir Alex quickly nipped that in the bud, adding: "He’s got leadership ­qualities and that kind of thing, but he could play anywhere. It’s too early to talk about captaincy. That’s the kind of pressure he doesn’t need.

"He’s only 19."

Manchester United's next game is asgainst Benfica in the Champions League, when they will look to maintain their unbeaten record in Group C. The two sides meet at Old Trafford on Tuesday, knowing that even a victory will not mathematically guarantee progression unless Basel drop points against Otelul Galati.

"It’s very close between the two of us and Basel," said the Scot. 

"We do know we have to win on ­Tuesday. It’s always a bonus to top the group, but the most important thing is to qualify."

Jones splashes out £130k on sports car

Phil Jones has celebrated his fast start to the season by forking out £130,000 on an Aston Martin.

The former Blackburn player, 19, has established himself in United's first team this season after a £16.5million summer move.

And Jones is clearly getting used to life in the fast lane. He now has the wheels to match those of his United team-mates after snapping up the V12 Vantage in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Jones made his England debut last month against Montenegro and has already picked up three caps in what promises to be a long international career.

He will hope his new motor is as versatile as he is - Jones has played at right back, centre back and in central midfield already in his fledgling United career.

Neville puts Jones in Keane, Robson class

Gary Neville has joined the chorus comparing Phil Jones with past greats.

He wrote in his column for the Daily Mail: "I have been away on holiday in Dubai but I was I amazed to read that Fabio Capello had compared Phil Jones with Fernando Hierro and Franco Baresi.

"This praise comes after Sir Bobby Charlton said that Jones reminded him of Duncan Edwards.

"When you get two men with such experience and stature in the game mentioning names like that, the whole football world should take note.

"For me, Jones has a touch of Bryan Robson or Roy Keane. Forget whether he plays centre-half, holding midfield, attacking midfield or right-back; forget that he might be better at holding midfield than attacking, or at centre-half rather than right-back."

'To captain England one day would be the pinnacle of my career' - Phil Jones

 Phil Jones says captaining England would be the 'pinnacle' of his career, but he's not getting that carried away just yet.

Speaking during a live webchat on his club's official website, the 19-year-old admitted to dreaming of captaining his national team one day, but he's smart enough not to let it get to his head.

"It’s nice to hear people talking about me being England captain one day,” admitted Jones. “But I need to keep my feet on the ground and firstly play well for Manchester United. If I do that, then I'll keep getting the chance to play for England.

“If I could captain England one day then I think that would be the pinnacle of my career.”

Jones also humbly addressed comparisons between himself and United legend Duncan Edwards.

“It’s incredible to be compared with Duncan Edwards,” he said. “He played for United and England well before my time of course but I knew about him when I was growing up. 

"Even to be mentioned in the same sentence as him is a huge honour. It inspires me to go on and become a better player," he continued. "It makes me want to work even harder in training.”

Jones has been a standout player in several positions for the Red Devils already this term despite it being just his first season with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Ferdinand delighted for Jones over England performance

 Rio Ferdinand was delighted for Phil Jones in England's victory over Spain.

Jones impressed in midfield last night.

Ferdinand tweeted: "Yes joner in the midfield..tough game but great experience for the team. Keep ball at the moment,didn't expect anything else.

"Ok we didn't play free flowing expansive football but we found a way to win which if we transfer that to a tournament then its all good."

Capello: Man Utd youngster Jones can match Italian legend Baresi

England coach Fabio Capello insists Manchester United youngster Phil Jones can handle Spain's much-vaunted midfield.

Old Trafford team-mate Danny Welbeck is also set to play up front.

The England coach believes the versatile teenager is the man for the job.

Capello said: "I spoke with Sir Alex and Jones was in my mind when I met him in Manchester. He said he could play there. You know, last year he played in midfield."

As it was pointed out, though, Fergie is Scottish.

Surely he wasn't trying to stitch up Capello, was he?

Capello laughed: "This is good. I know he's Scottish because, during the party, he wore a kilt. Yes, yes, yes, yes. I understood exactly that he is Scottish.

"I want to try this, though. This is perfect. We haven't a lot of young players who can play as midfielders "He can play right-back, centre-back, he can play, for me, as a midfielder because he's a really fantastic player. He's got a lot of really good qualities. His potential is the top."

Capello even thinks Jones can be better than Italian legend Franco Baresi.

He said: "Baresi was really good as a defender. But, as a midfielder, he was so-so.

"I hope Jones can be a better midfielder."

Man Utd forced to censor Jones after blast at Liverpool's Adam

Manchester United censored Phil Jones in the wake of their draw at Liverpool.

The Guardian says Jones accused Charlie Adam of deliberately diving to win the free-kick from which Steven Gerrard scored.

The former Blackburn Rovers player did not hold back in his criticisms and MUTV, United's in-house television channel, took instructions from senior Old Trafford officials before deciding Jones's comments were too inflammatory to be shown.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who later accused Luis Suárez of "diving all over the place", described it as "a very soft award", but Jones went even further with his own criticisms, telling MUTV that Adams had been guilty of a blatant dive.

However, MUTV, who infamously once pulled a show involving Roy Keane because he had been so outspoken against his own team-mates, had edited out the relevant section when Jones's interview was shown on Saturday night.

Jones: Midfield selection was surprise

Phil Jones admits he was surprised to be played in midfield for their draw at Liverpool.

Jones wasn't too daunted at the prospect and feels he was able to help the champions get a grip on the game with Javier Hernandez's header salvaging a 1-1 draw.

"Yes, it was a surprise," he revealed to MUTV. "But, if the gaffer says I'm playing there, there's no arguments. I'm happy to be playing.

"It's hard as I've not played there in a while. The last time I played there, was for Blackburn quite a while ago but I had to adapt today and I think it was about breaking the play up and making it difficult for Liverpool to play in there because it was quite congested.

"It was difficult today but I thought the lads did well and we deservedly got the point. It's a hostile one and a tough one but we knew that and expected it. We coped with it well, even when they got a slightly controversial free-kick outside the box and they put it in, we still kept at it and found ourselves in the game."

Smalling, Jones chose Man Utd over Arsenal due to Fergie passion

 Sir Alex Ferguson's determination convinced Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to choose Old Trafford over Arsenal.

The duo have put in some fine performances for Manchester United already this season and are looking like they can be the solid defensive core for Ferguson’s team in the future.

However, a source close to the transfers revealed that both were heading for the Emirates, until Ferguson stepped in.

“Arsenal must be regretting what happened over Smalling and Jones,’’ he revealed to the Sunday Express.

“Arsenal had agreed to sign Smalling from Fulham, but then Sir Alex stepped in. He was in no mood to let Smalling out of his sights.’’

Jones was also linked to the Gunners, although United were always favourites to land the defender.

Jones: I thought wonder goal was on!

Phil Jones admits he regrets not slotting home after a dazzling run in the first-half of their victory at Bolton Wanderers.

His weaving first half run led to Wayne Rooney’s second in United’s 5-0 win at the Reebok.

“It would have been a wonder goal," he said. "Wayne asked me in the changing room afterwards why I hadn't pulled it back but I have not scored in the Premier League before.

"I didn't expect to be playing so often quite so quickly but that is football," Jones added. “When you get your chance you have to take it. Hopefully I have shown the manager what I can do.

"I definitely feel I have improved since joining United. How quickly they move the ball is different class.

"Having the opportunity to play with this kind of team-mate is bound to make me better."

Capello praise for Man Utd defender Jones

England coach Fabio Capello is impressed by Manchester United defender Phil Jones.

Capello is unlikely to pick him for Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Bulgaria, but Jones has been earmarked for future glory.

Capello said: “Jones is so young and a ­ good ­talent for England. He is like Jack Wilshere – he played well at every level.

“He wants the ball, he asks for it. It is not easy to find a player who is so young that plays with so much confidence.

“He’s never played with the national team but he is the future.

Phil Jones: Signing for Man Utd sent shivers down spine

Phil Jones says signing for Manchester United sent shivers down his spine.

The former Blackburn Rovers defender impressed on debut in victory at West Bromwich Albion last week.

"It’s one of those things that sends shivers down your spine. Putting pen to paper at Manchester United is a massive thing for me and my family. I’m here now and I’ve got to prove I’m good enough," he told manutd.com.

On meeting Sir Alex Ferguson, Jones added: "It can be a daunting experience... It was brilliant. We talked for hours, but not necessarily about me or the club, about things in general. It settled a few nerves."

Phil Jones unsure of his Manchester United role but would be 'comfortable' playing in midfield

Phil Jones could be in line for a starting slot against Manchester City in the Community Shield but admits he is unsure of where he will be deployed this season.

Jones, who moved from Blackburn Rovers to Old Trafford in a deal that could reportedly be worth £17 million, believes his best position is in the centre of defence, but with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic the favoured partnership it remains to be seen where the versatile 19-year-old will play.

"I used to play in midfield but I definitely consider myself a centre-half and that's where I play my best football," Jones told Inside United.

"I like to see the game in front of me and read the play. At Blackburn, when the manager asked me to move into midfield, it was strange and I didn't expect it.

"It took a few games to adapt to that role and the positions to take. If I was asked to do that here, I'd feel comfortable with it."

Jones concedes that he has plenty to learn at Old Trafford and will not be taking things lightly.

"As a centre-back, I read the game well. I'm good in the air and have a decent range of passing," he said.

"Like every footballer, I have things to improve and I'll continue to work on them at United."

Ferguson: Jones could be instant starter

Sir Alex Ferguson says young defender Phil Jones could be an instant first-choice.

Ferguson seemed to confirm that defender Jones needed to be persuaded out of concerns that he would lose the chance of first-team football before he signed for United.

"You think he might not play, but the ability he's got and the determination he's got, he could quite easily play," the manager said.

"There's no question about that. He's the future, obviously, but he could certainly come in right away.

Ferguson: We wanted Jones when he made Blackburn youth debut

Sir Alex Ferguson admits they were keen to sign Phil Jones when he was a junior player.

United paid £16.5million to snap up England Under-21s star Jones from Blackburn Rovers in the summer.

Ferguson said: “He was first identified when he played for Blackburn’s youth team against us a couple of years ago, when they beat us 3-0.

“He was absolutely magnificent. I phoned Sam Allardyce the next week to speak to him about the boy and he said Phil was the best young player he’s ever had.

“We kept our eyes on the situation and obviously in the season just gone we managed to get him.”

Ferguson: We had to convince Jones he would see plenty of action

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Phil Jones will see action next season.

Jones, during negotiations about his move from Blackburn Rovers, questioned exactly how much he would be involved.

"The area we had to work hardest with Phil was to convince him he would get enough football," said Ferguson.

"The first thing you can say is last season Nani played the most games for us, with 48. He was still 11 short of the maximum.

"No-one at United is going to play the maximum number of games. Rio Ferdinand only played 29 and Nemanja Vidic missed some as well."

Ferguson also had a couple of direct examples with which to prove his point.

Twelve months ago, Chris Smalling arrived from Fulham expecting to be eased very gradually into the Old Trafford scene. He eventually made 33 appearances.

In the two seasons prior to that, Jonny Evans racked up 60.

"The other thing I explained to him was that we are always trying to look ahead towards the team of the future rather than the team of the present," said Ferguson.

"We expect the team of the present to fulfil their responsibilities but the team of the future is the one that is growing whilst the other one is doing the business."