Manchester United defender Phil Jones has stated that the friendly clash against Galatasaray on Saturday was a 'step forward' in his bid to return to full fitness.

Jones endured a very difficult campaign last term due to numerous injuries and the defender was restricted to just 10 appearances throughout the course of the season.

The 24-year-old has been slowly getting back to full fitness during pre-season this summer and he featured for 23 minutes in the friendly encounter against Galatasaray on Saturday.

Now Jones has gone on to speak regarding his first appearance back from injury and has stated that a return to the pitch is a step in the right direction for him.

The former Blackburn Rovers man said: "It's a step forward.

"The first game is always difficult, getting back into the rhythm of things.

"There have been quite a few changes with personnel. But it's nice to be back, get minutes and keep improving."