When Phil Jones broke into Blackburn's Premier League team in March 2010, it soon became clear they had an exceptional young talent on their hands.

An eye-catching debut against Chelsea brought inevitable comparisons with Blues skipper John Terry, as the robust stopper swiftly handled the elevation in class and dealt admirably with some of the biggest names in the country.

United hitman Wayne Rooney was quick to admit Jones was one of his toughest opponents in 2010/11, when the centre-back agreed to join United, and his performances against the Reds in consecutive seasons certainly revealed he is a player who loves

the art of defending under pressure.

Sir Alex had to beat off competition from other top clubs to land his man, with both Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly keen on one of England's brightest talents, but the youngster was determined to join the champions despite some talk of higher offers from elsewhere.

The Reds boss noted it was Jones' determination at Old Trafford, haranguing his older team-mates as Blackburn were being clobbered 7-1, that convinced him he was a United player.

After a deal was struck with Blackburn, Jones linked up with Chris Smalling at the European