HENRY WINTER
‘In the past I’d skip training if I was sore — now I’m first out’
Phil Jones tells how the fans, his ‘real friends’ and the backing of José Mourinho helped him overcome his injury woe
Phil Jones does not even pause when explaining the magnitude of Manchester United’s match with Liverpool tomorrow. “This is the one,’’ Jones says. “This is more than a game.”
Since signing from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, the versatile defender has played in seven of these East Lancs Road shows, winning four, losing two and drawing once. He has experienced every emotion, triumphing at Anfield (2-1 in 2015) and being vanquished at Old Trafford (3-0 in 2014). “We’ve had some battles over the years since I’ve been here,” Jones adds. “The atmosphere is like no other game. When I’m in the tunnel at Old Trafford before the game, I know that not only am I ready for battle but 80,000 fans are ready to battle with…