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Give us a chance! Phil Jones wants Chris Smalling partnership at Man Utd
MANCHESTER UNITED'S Phil Jones is confident that he and Chris Smalling can create a formidable partnership in defence next season.
David Moyes will be forced into shuffling his pack this summer when club captain Nemanja Vidic joins Serie A outfit Inter Milan.
And with Rio Ferdinand's contract set to expire at the end of the season, Jones believes the time is right for him to link-up with Smalling and become mainstays at the heart of United's backline.
"I've played with Chris for three or four years in the England Under-21s and also United, and we have a really good understanding," Jones enthused.
"We complement each other well and when you look at other central-defender partnerships and how they grow and build, they get better by playing together.
"You make mistakes along the way - everyone does - but the more you play together and understand each other the better the partnership gets.
Hopefully we have shown the manager that we are ready for the challenge
"Hopefully that can happen and hopefully we have shown the manager that we are ready for the challenge."
Jones accepts that Moyes will look to strengthen his defence via the transfer market this summer, but believes that more competition will only spur him on as he looks to cement his place in the starting line-up.
"It's a cliche, but, in a squad like Manchester United, it's healthy to have competition.
"It keeps you on your toes and ready, training hard every day and wanting it even more.
"Whoever we bring in, I'm sure me and Chris will always be knocking on the door."