Phil Jones: Wants to be a centre-half at Manchester United

The England international joined United from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, but the 21-year-old has yet to nail down a fixed position in the team.

He impressed in a midfield role in the first half against Arsenal on Sunday before dropping back into the centre of defence, while he has also featured at right-back.

Jones also has to live up to the hopes of former United manager Ferguson, who claimed towards the end of last season that the youngster could go on to become one of the club's greatest ever players.

"It was very flattering and unexpected, particularly coming from someone like that and when you think of all the great players this club has had," Jones told The Sun regarding Ferguson's comments.

"It's something I won't forget. I'd love to live up to it, of course I would. But if I can be half as good as some of the great players from this club's history, do half the things some of those guys did, then I'll be able to say at the end of my career that I've had a good one.

"I'm happy with my own form. I'm pleased to be getting a bit of a run at centre-half.

"It's always nice to play in the position you feel most comfortable in. I played in midfield against Norwich in the Capital One Cup, but mostly it has been centre-back and that's where I want to be.

"When I came, it was always the plan to establish myself as a centre-back and I hope to do it this season. If the manager keeps faith in me, I'll make sure I can cement a spot there and get a good run there."

Jones is also a regular member of Roy Hodgson's England squad and is hoping he will remain part of the plans for next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

He added: "England? There's a lot of competition. Some top centre-halves, midfielders.

"It's going to be difficult for me to push my way into the team. But, hopefully, I can force my way on to the plane.

"There's a good little group of us from United, six or seven of us. It can only help England if we are playing together."