Lost amidst the frustrations of yet more dropped points at Old Trafford against Hull City last night was a second half injury to Phil Jones, which forced Jose Mourinho to replace the former Blackburn Rovers centre back here with Chris Smalling. Unfortunately, the change, and the two that came before it with Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata replacing Michael Carrick and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the second half couldn’t inspire United to break the deadlock, and Mourinho’s side suffered another damaging draw.
At least Jones, speaking to MUTV after the game appeared optimistic about the damage sustained to his foot that caused his substitution:
“My foot’s bruised but I’ll be fine. It’s nothing sinister, nothing serious, so hopefully in a few days I’ll be fine.”
It’s a small shred of good news after Wednesday night’s 0-0 draw, given how United once again failed to take advantage of their rivals slip-ups on Tuesday evening. Jones has been one of Mourinho’s most consistent defenders this season, and a surprising rock at centre back, so the news of his injury appearing to be fairly minor is welcome.
