Thursday 14 December 2017 11:11, UK
Phil Jones believes Manchester United showed "courage" to return to winning ways against Bournemouth so soon after their Derby Day defeat to rivals Manchester City.
United's record-equalling 40-match unbeaten run at home came to an end on Sunday afternoon as City claimed a 2-1 win at Old Trafford to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points.
Jose Mourinho's side bounced back to produce a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday and Jones was pleased with the fight shown by United after their derby disappointment.
"It was always going to be difficult off the back of the derby defeat," said the defender. "[We were] so disappointed in many ways because of the magnitude of the game and we wanted to do more.
"We wanted to win the game and unfortunately it wasn't to be, so it was important that we came out tonight, showed a bit of fight and a bit of courage, [with] players getting on the ball and trying to do something.
"It wasn't pretty at times. We had to dig deep and grind it out, but the most important thing was to get three points and get back on track.
"I'd just like to say to thank you to the fans as well because I think it was difficult for them on Sunday in the derby defeat.
"Tonight they stuck by us again. When times are hard, they're singing, they're chanting for us and we'll need that going on in the season."
Romelu Lukaku was criticised for his performance against City after gifting both goals to the visitors in the Derby Day loss.
However, the striker returned to form to score the winning goal against the Cherries in midweek and Jones hopes the Belgium international can now build on that strike over the festive period.
"He did well, rose above his man and that's what he does best," Jones told MUTV.
"He's going through a patch where he's not scoring goals, but he's doing other things for us in the match. I am pleased for him tonight. Hopefully he can kick on and score some more goals now."
Jones returned to the starting line-up for the first time in five weeks against Bournemouth after recovering from a thigh injury sustained on international duty with England in November.
"It was a strange, strange little injury I had but it is nice to be back," he said. "I feel good, I feel fit and just pleased with the three points, to be fair."
