Europa route will be just Champion
PHIL JONES is refusing to rule out a top-four spot, but it’s edging closer to the Europa League being Manchester United’s best route to the Champions League.
United edged past Russian side Rostov on Thursday to reach the last eight where they have been paired with Belgian league leaders, Anderlecht.
They are now clear favourites to win the competition in Stockholm on May 24 and secure the spot on offer for next season’s Champions League.
There are just five matches to negotiate for that, whereas United’s league campaign has 12 games to go.
The first of those is at Middlesbrough this lunchtime, with Jones not expecting an easy ride.
“I suppose the Europa League now looks our best bet,” he says. “But there is no reason why we can’t qualify through the league as well.
“This competition is tough and there are some good teams left in. But it will be worth it if we get that Champions League place.
“As for the league, it’s one game at a time. Boro have just got rid of their manager, so I can imagine all their players will be right up for this.
“That makes it a bit more difficult, but we will be ready.”
The game at the Riverside will be United’s third match in seven days and 47th of a hectic season.
It has been a demanding schedule for Jose Mourinho to manage and this afternoon he’ll be without suspended pair Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera, as well as Paul Pogba, who picked up a hamstring injury against Rostov.
In years gone by, Jones was a regular on the treatment table, but he has been pleased with how he has coped since he returned to action in November.
“I had a great run of games,” he reflects. “Then I had a little problem with my foot which knocked me out for a few weeks. But I feel great now.
“Hopefully the persistent injuries are a thing of the past. If I do pick up a niggle, it’s one or two weeks and not a big one. That is the main thing.”
As a consequence of his displays for United, Jones has also been handed an England recall by new manager, Gareth Southgate.
The former Blackburn defender will hope to be involved against either Germany or Lithuania for his first cap since November, 2015.
“It’s nice to be involved,” he states. “I always said that if I was playing games for United consistently and playing well, I would have a chance of getting back in.
“I’m delighted. I love playing for England. Everyone says it but it’s a huge honour to be selected and put that shirt on. I can’t wait to meet up.”