Phil Jones admits he is loving every second of his first season with Manchester United.
England international targets legendary status at Old Trafford
Manchester United utility man Phil Jones admits he is loving every second of his first season with the club, however he insists there is no danger of him taking his first-team place for granted.
The 19-year-old, a £16.5m summer buy from Blackburn Rovers, is set to make his 24th appearance for United this season at Craven Cottage against Fulham on Wednesday night.
Jones has seamlessly slotted into his new surroundings and has become an integral part of United's hopes of retaining the Premier League title.
"I didn't think it was going to go as well as this," Phil told
MEN Sport. "I hoped it would be as good as this but I thought I would have to spend a few times on the bench.
Fantastic
"I prepared myself to be frustrated, not because I expected to play every game but because I am young and want to play football.
"I said to myself before the start of the season that if I made 20-25 appearances - whether on the bench or starting - I would be reasonably happy. And I have done that already.
"But I don't want a rest. Don't be telling the manager that! The way it has panned out has been fantastic. I am probably playing some of the best football I have ever played in my short career. It is exciting times."
Comparisons to former Old Trafford greats such as Duncan Edwards, Bryan Robson and Roy Keane have been made on a regular basis.
But Jones, who won the first of his three England caps against Montenegro in October, has his sights set on carving out a reputation of his own.
Embarrassed
"It is nice to hear those comparisons. But I want to be me," he added.
"There have been some terrific players' names being bandied around that I am being compared to and that is great.
"I am just able, touch wood, to take it in my stride. That's how I am. I am not embarrassed or pressurised by it. It is just great and I want to do as well as they did.
"I want to become the best I can be and be at my best for a good number of years. I don't know when I will peak and be at my best but I am learning every day and as long as I keep doing that I am happy.
"I think my game has improved. My understanding of the game has improved. The technical side has improved. All round I have improved in leaps and bounds at United. I learn something every day in training here and I am just loving it."
