Man U don’t need Ibrahimovic, Pogba to win —Jones

Phil Jones is confident that Manchester United boast the strength in depth required to cover the absence of key men such as Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Red Devils return to domestic duty today with a Premier League away clash with Middlesbrough.

Jose Mourinho’s men will head to the Riverside boosted by progress in the Europa League and a lengthy unbeaten record in top-flight competition.

They will, however, be without injured record signing Pogba and suspended talisman Ibrahimovic.

Ander Herrera will also be missing as he serves a ban for his FA Cup red card, meaning that Mourinho will be forced to shuffle his pack.

Jones, though, believes the Portuguese has enough options at his disposal to ensure that momentum is maintained through a testing period.

He told MUTV: “Maybe it wasn’t a sparkling performance the other night [aginst Rostov in Europe], but it was one that was pleasing and positive and we’re through to the next round.

“Middlesbrough have just sacked the manager as well so it will probably be even tougher than what it would have been.

“But we’ve got more than enough to cope with that. We have strength in depth in this squad and that’s why we need everyone.

“There is always an added incentive for everyone playing Manchester United as it is, but when you sack the manager it’s even more of a boost for them.

“Especially for the ones who have not been playing in the squad who can force their way into the team and impress.

“It will be a tough game, but we need to be ready for it.”

Victory for United over Boro would lift them above Arsenal and into fifth spot in the Premier League table, after several months rooted in sixth place.