Football
PA Sport 7y

Man United can cope without Pogba and Ibrahimovic vs. Boro - Jones

Phil Jones has said Manchester United have enough "strength in depth" to cope without Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic when they play Middlesbrough on Sunday.

United travel to Middlesbrough, who parted company with manager Aitor Karanka this week, without Pogba and Daley Blind who were injured during the Europa League round-of-16 win against FC Rostov on Thursday, and Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera who are suspended.

Jones expects a tough game, despite Boro's struggles, but is confident they have enough to win.

"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 told MUTV. "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.

"Those 12 o'clock kick-offs can be good if you win as then you've got the rest of the day to celebrate and enjoy it," the defender added. "On the other hand, if you lose, it's not a nice feeling.

"You spend the rest of the day mithering about the game and going over it in your mind for the next eight hours. We need to make sure we're ready for it.

"It will be a difficult game. Middlesbrough are among the teams struggling at the moment, but have got good players still. It won't be easy up there.

"I think the first 15 minutes will be key. It's a 12 o'clock kick-off and I'm sure they will be ratting about from the first minute.

"We just need to concentrate on winning. Sunday is massive. We all know that. We all know the importance of the game. I would take us playing badly now and winning games.

"If you look at all the times we've drawn at home when playing so well, and ultimately we drew, it felt like we'd lost. So points are massive at the moment."

^ Back to Top ^