Five Talking Points from Manchester United's 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk

Phil Jones growing stronger with each game

Nowadays, not a game goes by, without someone or the other pointing out that United lack any quality midfielders. So, it should come as no surprise that it was Phil Jones, a center back by trade, who was arguably, not just their best midfielder, but their best player on the pitch against Shakhtar. The Englishman was bundle of energy throughout the game and complemented Giggs very well. Whenever he got the ball, he was on his bike and looked a threat from set-pieces as well.

In the end, it was fitting that it was he who got the goal that gave United a much needed victory, one that sent them through as winners of the group. His finish for the goal, was one that the other Dutchman on the pitch, Van Persie, would have been proud of. But, for all of his industry and his tough tackling, Jones still ended up passing the ball sideways and backwards and didn’t really start too many attacks with the perfect pass. But, then, again, you can’t have it all your own way.