Phil Jones unlikely to face Real Madrid

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Phil Jones of Manchester United is helped off after getting injured during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Manchester United and Reading

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Phil Jones – one of the better performers in the first leg in Madrid – will most probably miss out on the second leg. Jones suffered an injury to his right ankle when playing against Reading in the FA Cup. This may force Sir Alex to change his tactics against Real in the second leg, as he doesn’t have a like for like replacement for Jones with Fletcher also out for the season. He said: “Phil Jones is the one we’re concerned about for the Real Madrid game. We’re working hard on it and I’d say he has an outside chance – no more than that. We’ll have to wait and see if he’s fit for the second leg. It’s two weeks away. A lot can happen. He’s an outside chance, that’s all.”

Without Jones in the side, United might be forced to readjust and someone else has to step forward to take up the responsibility of keeping Ronaldo quiet. His enthusiasm and energy were vital in keeping Ronaldo & Co quiet in the first leg. Sir Alex also said that Jones’s fearlessness and bravery might be the reason he kept getting injured so often.

“Phil tackled awkwardly the other night and tangled his foot there,” he said. “That’s why he has the injury he has. He has the courage and willingness to tackle. Bryan Robson was the same. Bryan couldn’t see danger and neither can Phil. It’s a measure of his courage and I don’t want to take that away from him.

“Phil did an incredible job in Madrid. He doesn’t care who he’s playing against, he has no fear of playing against anyone. When you look at his tackles, he tackles like a young man. Maybe he’s too brave. He was unbalanced in the tackle and ended up injured.“

Being compared to Bryan Robson at such an early stage in his career will put enormous pressure on his young shoulders but his performances against the likes of Bale, Ronaldo and Fellaini show that Jones has a bright future ahead.

Tom Cleverley will be the one to benefit from this piece of news but has to play out his skin if United are to win the midfield battle. But with the more attack-minded Cleverley in the side, United will be more susceptible to counters which Real prey on. One key feature of the first leg was both Carrick and Jones were generally sitting back to prevent Real to use their lethal counter attacking ability. But with United at home and especially if Jones isn’t fit, this feature doesn’t look like it is going to repeat. Whatever is the game plan of both the teams, it is going to be special special night at Old Trafford.