Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Manchester United star reveals future plans following return from injury
PHIL JONES is delighted at being back among Manchester United's starting XI.
Manchester United club fact file
The 23-year-old started only his second game of the season on Sunday as his side drew 0-0 with Manchester City.
The England international suffered injury complications after arriving back from their pre-season tour of the United States, developing a blood clot in one of his calves.
Jones has missed 59 games through injuries since his arrival from Blackburn in 2011 and admits it has been frustrating.
Phil Jones recently returned from injury following a blood clot in his calf
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are Louis van Gaal's preferred centre-back pairing
"You can't control it. It was one of the most frustrating periods of my career, sitting at home not being able to do anything," said Jones.
"I was in the gym every day and the lads were playing. I just wanted to be part of it and I wasn't part of it. You just have to forget about it and move on.
"I don't think anyone will ever realise how hard it is at times. But I don't want any sympathy. I am just happy to be back."
The defender recently praised team-mates Marcos Rojo and Jesse Lingard following their goalless draw in the Manchester derby and now hopes he can form a solid partnership in defence with Chris Smalling.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?