Youngster Phil Jones refuses to dwell on the own-goal that hindered Man United's progress in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Teenager remains calm despite error against Benfica
Manchester United youngster Phil Jones refuses to dwell on the own-goal that hindered his side's progress in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
Exactly a week after being compared to legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi by England boss Fabio Capello, Jones suffered the harsher side of footballing life at Old Trafford as he turned Nicolas Gaitan's cross into his own net just three minutes into the 2-2 draw with Benfica.
Although United recovered to take the lead, ultimately they had to settle for a point that leaves them needing to avoid defeat against Basel next month to reach the knockout phase, where they would almost certainly be condemned to a second seeding and a meeting with another European heavyweight.
But 19-year-old Jones is not beating himself up over the error.
Unfortunate
"It happens," he said. "Own goals happen to the best of players. It is just one of those situations where the ball ends up in the back of the net.
"What can you do? There is nothing more to say. It is an unfortunate reaction and the ball has ended up in the back of the net.
"I am not going to let my head drop. You win some, you lose some and then you get on with it. Apart from that I thought I played reasonably well."
Jones insists he will not be distracted by the praise being heaped on him by Capello and others after an impressive start to life at Old Trafford.
"Listen, it is nice being compared to people like that (Duncan Edwards, Franco Baresi) but I have to keep my head down and put in performances I know I am capable of," he said.
"Hopefully, if I keep playing well for Manchester United and we pick up points to get to the top of the table, I can keep getting into the England squad."
The teenager refuses to be daunted by the prospect of taking on European heavyweights such as Barcelona and Real Madrid if United do make the last 16.
Another game
"If we have to play Barcelona or Real Madrid we have to play them," he said. "It is another game, that's all.
"Yes, they are two fantastic teams in the Champions League and have absolutely world class players.
"But they are only human. I am sure we can turn up and give them a game."
