Phil Jones relishing the prospect of playing for Manchester United

England under-21 international has joined up with his team-mates for pre-season tour of the USA but admits he isn't getting too carried away with big money move to Old Trafford

By Harry Veal

New Manchester United signing Phil Jones has revealed he is relishing the prospect of playing for the Premier League champions and has settled in well with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

United boss Ferguson has said that he had to convince Jones that he would get enough first team football at Old Trafford, but the England under-21 defender is prepared to fight for his spot in the starting side.

"I'm training and playing with top-class players day in and day out," he told MUTV.

"I know there's competition for places. It's up for grabs in every position and it's only healthy for the squad.

"I've got to keep training hard, working my way up. Eventually, I'll get my chance and I'll take it."

Jones has now arrived on the club’s pre-season tour of America and has admitted he was flattered by his new manager's interest while he was a Blackburn player.

"It's just sunk in," he said.

"It took a while to sink in but I'm delighted to be here. It's a massive club, the best club in the world possibly and I'm just happy to be here.

"I was away on holiday with my girlfriend when I got a phone call from the boss saying he was interested and keen and stuff and things progressed from there so here I am now.

"It was an unbelievable feeling when I picked the phone up and he says in his Scottish voice: 'It's Sir Alex'. It's what anyone dreams of, for that phone call to happen and I'm just delighted.

"The lads are quality. I'm just about settling in now and enjoying it. I think the lads have been brilliant and have made me feel very welcome so I feel really settled."

Jones isn’t getting too carried away by his big move though and credits his family for keeping him grounded.

"No, I wouldn't want that to happen," he said.

"I still live with my family, I'm still 19 and it's happened at quite a young age but I'm just enjoying it.

"They [the family] keep me grounded and make sure I stay focused on my football.

"Obviously, I'm looking for a house at the moment in Manchester so I need to get a house as well at 19. It's crazy but I suppose that's football!"