‘It’s a Devil of a game, but we can beat Boro’

PHIL Jones believes Manchester United have “more than enough” to cope with key absentees and their testing fixture schedule at managerless Middlesbrough.

Jose Mourinho’s men arrive at the Riverside Stadium in search of a muchneeded victory, having drawn eight times during a 17-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.

United head to the north east after progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, although Paul Pogba and Daley Blind were forced off during the narrow last-16 second-leg win against Rostov.

Pogba will definitely miss the trip to Boro along with suspended pair Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera, but Jones is confident United will have the wherewithal to head into the international break with an important victory.

“Maybe it wasn’t a sparkling performance the other night, but it was one that was pleasing and positive and we’re through to the next round,” Jones said.

“Middlesbrough have just sacked the manager as well so it will probably be even tougher than what it would have been.

“But we’ve got more than enough to cope with that. We have strength in depth in this squad and that’s why we need everyone.

“There is always an added incentive for everyone playing Manchester United as it is, but when you sack the manager it’s even more of a boost for them. “Especially for the ones who have not been playing in the squad who can force their way into the team and impress.

“It will be a tough game, but we need to be ready for it.” Phil Jones