Saturday 11 April 2015 17:43, UK
Phil Jones insists Manchester United’s form has rocketed because the players finally understand Louis van Gaal’s philosophy.
The team go into Sunday’s derby against Manchester City on the back of five consecutive wins and are above their neighbours, after the same number of games played in the Premier League, for the first time in 16 months.
Defender Jones says the players needed time to adapt to the approach of Van Gaal, who replaced David Moyes in the summer, but are now enjoying his methods.
He told Soccer Saturday: “Every player is well aware of the philosophy of the manager and the way he wants his teams to play.
“I think that’s why we’ve been hitting such good form lately. Every player now understands their role in the team. It’s more stable.
“Players know what they’re doing, day in, day out. Players like routines. They like to know what they’re doing in the week and in training.
“You can tell by the performances of late that the players are happy and enjoying it. There’s a real buzz around the training ground.
“A lot of people wrote us off. We knew the capabilities and qualities in the dressing room. It’s a big game at the weekend, we’ve got to go out and win the game.”
Players know what they’re doing, day in, day out. Players like routines. They like to know what they’re doing in the week and in training.
United have won every game since the return of Michael Carrick from injury in early March – a statistic that has not gone unnoticed by Jones.
“He’s the most underrated player I’ve ever met. For me he is that good,” he added.
“The role he plays in this team is brilliant. He’s an unbelievable passer of the ball. He sees the game well. He reads it well and he’s a great lad off the pitch too.”
Watch the full interview on Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports News HQ and tune in for the Manchester derby live on Super Sunday from 3.30pm on Sky Sports 1.
