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Jones determined to cement United place

London - Manchester United defender Phil Jones says he is ready to make up for lost time and establish himself as a key figure under Jose Mourinho.

After an horrendous 10 months on the sidelines due to injury, Jones was rushed back to first-team action due to the absence of Chris Smalling and Eric Bailey.

However, the 24-year-old produced composed displays in United's win against Swansea and Saturday's draw with Arsenal.

Despite admitting he lost confidence while on the sidelines for an extended period, Jones feels more motivated to prove himself at Old Trafford.

"It was great, personally, for me. It's been a difficult period for me. It is good to be back in the fold and playing again," the England international told the club's official website.

"It (being injured) is awful but as a footballer you can't feel sorry for yourself, go into a little hole and never come out of your home.

"You have got to go about your day as you would normally, work hard in training and I have worked to get back to where I am now. I want to stay here and I want to play more games.

"I have worked hard on my fitness, it has been tough mentally for me and it has been so frustrating. I can't put into words how frustrating it has been, but that is behind me and I want to move forward to play as many games as I can.

"I am ready to play but I think I have also got to look after myself as well and think right. If I do feel something then I am honest, but I am ready, I am fit and ready to play.

"I am just focusing on game to game, playing football, doing what I love doing and I will go from there."

Meanwhile Mourinho has confirmed that midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will face Feyenoord when the Red Devils welcome them to Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Kick off is at 22:05.

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