Phil Jones having 'time of his life' at Manchester United

Phil Jones admits he is enjoying every moment of his life at Manchester United since joining the premier league champions in the summer. The £16.5M that United reportedly paid Blackburn Rovers to acquire the services of the immensely talented 19 year old raised a few eyebrows but the boy from Preston is yet to put a foot wrong in his 23 match long Manchester United career. Well, except that own goal in the 2-2 draw against Benfica of course.

Injuries to Sir Alex’s first choice defenders early in the season further increased Jones’ first team appearances and the defender admits he didn’t expect to be such a hit at Old Trafford so early in his career.

“I didn’t think it was going to go as well as this. I hoped it would be as good as this but I thought I would have to spend a few times on the bench. I prepared myself to be frustrated, not because I expected to play every game but because I am young and want to play football.

“I said to myself before the start of the season that if I made 20-25 appearances – whether on the bench or starting – I would be reasonably happy. And I have done that already.

“But I don’t want a rest. I am probably playing some of the best football I have ever played in my short career. It is exciting times.”

Attack, mid, defence. Jones has been everywhere for the Red Devils!

Jones has looked to have settled well in the team, with Wayne Rooney describing him as the funniest personality in the dressing room. In an earlier interview, the 19 year old admitted that he was made to sing a song in the dressing room for the players. His England U-21 teammates Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, who helped him settle in the new surroundings, have been a delight to watch too this season.

“It was a dream come true to move to Manchester United – there was nothing bigger than that. When I came to here I was nervous and apprehensive and all those words that come into that category. But I knew if I wasn’t good enough I wouldn’t be here. I knew my ability warranted my position at the club.

“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.”

A versatile player, Jones has played in the heart of defence, at right back and most recently at the center midfield role where his performances have already drawn comparisons to the likes of Bryan Robson and Roy Keane. The player responded:

“It is nice to hear those comparisons. But I want to be me. There have been some terrific player’s names being bandied around that I am being compared to and that is great. I am just able, touch wood, to take it in my stride. That’s how I am. I am not embarrassed or pressurised by it. It is just great and I want to do as well as they did.

“I think my game has improved. My understanding of the game has improved. The technical side has improved. All round I have improved in leaps and bounds at United. I learn something every day in training here and I am just loving it.”