Manchester United's injury-jinxed Phil Jones hits out over 'Sicknote' reputation

The defender has struggled for fitness throughout his three-and-a-half years at Old Trafford and played just his 5th club game of the season on Sunday

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Had his Phil: Jones is turning to yoga and pilates to try to avoid injury

Phil Jones has defended his injury record and insists he is not a crock.
Jones returned after two months out with shin splints to make only his fifth Manchester United appearance of the season in the win over Liverpool.
He also tore a hamstring in September on England duty but claimed he was fully fit before that problem, and said: “I started the pre-season and played every single game and every single training session.
“Then, on international duty, I pulled my hamstring. I have never had a muscle injury in my life, so it was disappointing.
“When I was coming back, I then had shin splints. I didn’t go into training that morning and say, ‘I want to get injured’. It is just the way it has been and it has been unfortunate.

Basel faulty: Jones picked up a hamstring injury during England's win in Switzerland

“I could stand here and list 10 players who are always out injured, and that is just the nature of football. People don’t wake up one morning and say ‘I fancy being injured today’. It’s just the way it is.
"My aim right now is to stay fit and stay focused, and get a run of games under my belt.”
Jones, 22, has been blighted by injuries for much of his three-and-a-half years at Old Trafford and says he has taken up yoga and pilates to help him stay fit.
“I’ve been doing a lot of work in the gym and hopefully that will stand me in good stead for the rest of the season,” he said.
“It’s strength work - yoga and pilates and loads of stuff like that. I will do anything I can to improve myself. Hopefully I can stay fit, look after myself in games and make sure I stay fit.”
Manchester United 3-0 Liverpool in pictures:

Jones admits he was shocked to be pitched straight back in against Liverpool and hopes United can have more consistency in their back four after the turmoil caused by injuries.
“Yeah, you could say that I was surprised,” he said. “But injuries and circumstances happen and that is football.
“The first 20 minutes were a bit of a whirlwind for me, to be honest. It happened so quick. I don’t think any training session can get you ready for a game in the Premier League, never mind playing against Liverpool, but it was great to be back.
“It always helps to play every game at the back with the same players. You get a good understanding of each other and how each one of you works, and what positions to take up.
“Now I just want to stay fit, keep my feet on the ground and look forward to the next game.”