Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to have the defender back as part of his youthful Euro party

Phil Jones gets ready for action

Phil Jones is heading Uniteds band of young guns in Istanbul as the Reds defender looks to restart his injury-hit Old Trafford career.

Twelve months ago the 20-year-old was firmly established in Sir Alex Fergusons XI with three Champions League appearances already under his belt just three months after his debut following a 16m summer move from Blackburn Rovers.

But the Preston-born defender has not been available for Fergies side since the final day of last term, when his horror-struck face at Sunderland was one of the defining images of Uniteds traumatic title-deciding afternoon.

Since then, Jones has been a non-playing member of Englands Euro 2012 squad but suffered a back injury on his return to pre-season training.

After recovering from the spasm the young defender then had to have surgery on his knee in September.

And following an impressive debut season last year Jones is now having to fight back. His first challenge will come tonight in the volatile Turk Telekom Arena in Istanbul.

Its a big day for Phil Jones because he has been out all season, said Reds boss Sir Alex.

He has done enough training to make his fitness is okay and I am looking forward to bringing him back.

He has had different types of injuries. He is young and he is still to develop physically because he is only 20 years of age, so he has plenty of time.

Jones return has also boosted Fergusons defensive personnel following Chris Smallings return to action in the last three matches after he broke his foot in training in July.

United have already qualified from Group H with four wins from their opening four matches and have also secured top spot.

It has enabled F! erguson to bring eight European rookies in his squad of 21.

But the United manager is conscious that opponents Galatasaray are still engaged in a three-way battle with Cluj and Braga for the runners-up spot that will guarantee a place in Februarys knockout stages alongside the Reds.

As well as Jones, Nick Powell is also set for his first Champions League action.

Apart from Nick Powell and Alex Buttner a lot of the players have experience of this, he added.

They are experienced of playing in front of big crowds. Its completely different for Powell, it will be his first game at this level, but his temperament will be important.

We dont consider it a gamble, but we do consider our reputation and being fair to the teams in the group.

We have to give serious consideration to the impact on the media and the public (in Turkey) when we come to picking our team.

Qualified

We are in a great position. Weve qualified but we will be making sure we play with some pride and that we are fair to the other teams in group.

We are making changes, but the players need games and they are all experienced enough to handle the game. We are looking to win. There is no other way for us.

Uniteds young group of travellers were spared the hostile Welcome to Hell airport experience the Reds 1993 players suffered when they flew into Istanbul last night.

The Reds squad emerged from terminal two at the Ataturk airport whilst a huge throng of baying Galatasaray fans were stationed in terminal one ready to give the United party a hot reception.

We didnt get the greeting from the fans this time. We dodged it, he said.

In 1993 it was incredible, quite frightening, but we have been a few times and are now used to the Turkish atmosphere.

It is fanatical, but it is no issue for us.

Uniteds experienced midfielder Darren Fletcher ! has seen it all before in Turkey but has no worries for his younger squad team-mates.

It is a lot more hostile here and they are very passionate for their home team, said the Scot.

I have been to Bursaspor and Besiktas before and it is unique experience.

But it is one we are going to have to deal with.

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