Phil Jones: We eat pressure for breakfast!
Published 18:48 06/12/11 By David McDonnell in Basel
Failure to reach the knockout rounds is something United have experienced on only three occasions.
In 1993 and 1994 they were hampered by UEFA’s controversial “foreigners rule”, which restricted Sir Alex Ferguson’s team selection.
Then, in 2005, they were beaten in the final group game by Benfica.
But Jones believes his team-mates are ready to collect the point required to ease their passage into the next stage.
“It (pressure) does bring the best out of me,” said the 19-year-old star, who scored his first United goal to bring victory at Aston Villa on Saturday.
“As a group of players we thrive on it.
“Pressure comes with every game. We are at a massive club so we are used to it.
“This game is no different. We have prepared right and hopefully we will get the three points.”
Basel know the weight of expectation lies on United and are hoping to capitalise on their underdog status by sneaking a win that would put them through at the expense of a team that has reached three of the last four Champions League finals.
“There is more pressure on Manchester United, in 99 percent (of cases) they are absolute favourites. They probably have 13 international players, they are so strong it is mad.” the Swiss club’s coach Heiko Vogel said.
“They can handle the pressure but maybe these one or two percent can be an advantage for us.”
Vogel feels there may be even more importance on this game because Manchester City have taken a five-point lead over United in the Premier League.
“At the moment, Manchester City are really in form in the Premier League, but maybe not so much in the Champions League,” he said.
“With Manchester United it seems to be the other way round.
“But they are still one of the strongest teams in the world.”
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