• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Manchester Football

A website about football in Manchester

You are here: Home / Manchester United / Jones erases own-goal pain

Jones erases own-goal pain

December 3, 2011 by Tony Bugby

ASTON VILLA 0, MAN UNITED 1.

What perfect timing for Phil Jones to open his goalscoring account than with the matchwinner at Aston Villa in a hard fought Barclays Premier League match.

After scoring at the wrong end the previous week with an unlucky own goal against Benfica in the Champions League, it was all smiles for summer-signing Jones who was again operating in midfield as opposed to his favoured central-defensive role.

“I am delighted to have scored my first goal because I had been getting a bit of stick from the lads and backroom staff for the own goal,” explained Jones.

“I have to admit getting an own goal against Benfica in the Champions League wasn’t the best start to my scoring career.”

Sir Alex Ferguson described it as a “solid” performance which was an accurate assessment as they ground out their fourth 1-0 league victory since the derby debacle. Their other game was a 1-1 draw against Newcastle.

“We were wasteful in the second half when we had chances to seal victory, but it was a solid performance as to win away in the Barclays Premier League is never easy,” explained the Reds’ manager.

It may not be pretty to watch, but United’s functional approach and return to basics is ensuring they remain Manchester City’s main challengers as they stay five points adrift.

Since the 6-1 defeat to City it has been a challenging period for United and the latest game was no exception following the loss of Javier Hernandez after only 12 minutes through torn angle ligaments.

It was a freak injury as he was hurt turning for the ball with no opponent in close proximity.

“We are having a torrid time with injuries at the moment but we’re keeping at it,” Ferguson continued.

Jones sealed victory in the 20th minute with an excellent strike which followed a glorious move involving Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra and Nani who supplied the pinpoint cross from the left for him to execute with clinical precision.

United had chances to win by a wider margin as Nani was denied by keeper Shay Given, Antonio Valencia’s drive was inches over, Rooney fired just over  while near the end Danny Welbeck had strayed offside before scoring.

United, with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic reunited, were solid at the back as Anders Lindegaard had little to do other than making an athletic tip over to keep out a header from James Collins.

Filed Under: Manchester United, Premier League Tagged With: Hernandez, Jones

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Altrincham
  • Ashton United
  • Curzon Ashton
  • Europe
  • FA Cup
  • Hyde United
  • International
  • League Cup
  • Manchester City
  • Manchester City Women
  • Manchester United
  • Manchester United Women
  • Match Report
  • Melbourne City FC
  • Mossley
  • New York City FC
  • Non League
  • North West
  • Oldham Athletic
  • Premier League
  • Salford City
  • Stockport County
  • Stretford Paddock
  • UEFA Champions League
  • Uncategorized

Manchester Football

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

RSS Manchesterfootball Youtube

  • Pep's Man City snubbed by Julia Roberts who went to see Man Utd instead
    manchesterfootball
  • Man City vs RB Leipzig Lightshow and booing of Champions League anthem Tuesday March 14 2023 4K
    manchesterfootball
  • When Julia Roberts came to Manchester she went to see United! - Pep on Erling Haaland's 5 goals
    manchesterfootball

RSS BBC Football News

  • Everton: Premier League refers club to independent commission over alleged breach of financial rules March 24, 2023
    Everton have been referred to an independent commission by the Premier League over an alleged breach of its profitability and sustainability rules.
  • Mykhailo Mudryk: Chelsea must be patient with Ukraine striker, says Andriy Shevchenko March 24, 2023
    Chelsea must be patient with winger Mykhailo Mudryk and see how he performs over the long term, says former Blues striker Andriy Shevchenko.
  • Police speak to Premier League player about a further alleged sexual offence March 24, 2023
    A Premier League footballer facing two rape allegations has been interviewed by police about a further alleged sexual offence involving a third woman.
  • Premier League quiz: Can you name these seven players? March 23, 2023
    Think you know your Premier League players? Well now you can prove it by taking our picture quiz every weekday.

Search Manchester Football

Copyright © 2023 · Metro Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in