Phil Jones was outstanding for Manchester United as they earned a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid in the first-leg of their Champions League tie. Sir Alex Ferguson played the youngster in a defensive midfield role and saw the international nullify Cristiano Ronaldo for much of the game.

Ferguson included Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck but not Nemanja Vidic in Manchester United's starting line-up and was rewarded midway through the first-half with a goal from Welbeck.

Wayne Rooney with an inswinging corner from the left saw Welbeck pull away from Sergio Ramos to nod the ball into the far corner.

But Real were soon level as Ronaldo fired home before halftime.

Angel Di Maria's cross from the left, having switched wings with Ronaldo, found the Portuguese who seemed to hang in the air to steer the ball past United goalkeeper David De Gea. Ronaldo kept his celebrations muted in respect to United's away fans.

It was tough on De Gea who had previously tipped Fabio Coentrao's drive onto a post.

In the second-half, Robin van Persie had two glorious chances to put United ahead, hitting the crossbar before scuffing his shot and seeing it cleared off the line with Real keeper Diego Lopez beaten.

While Real dominated possession, United will come away delighted with their performance and feeling they should have won.