Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Phil Jones will miss Manchester United’s Champions League last 16 clash with Real Madrid.

Jones limped out of the FA Cup game against Reading in February with an ankle injury and has lost his race to be ready for the match.

“He’s not fit. He won’t be fit for tomorrow,” the manager told reporters ahead of the game.

Speaking about the tie itself, Ferguson told fans to expect a great occasion.

“It’s a massive build-up, you can see the amount of cameras at the training ground, that gives you some indication.

“I think that both teams are in form. Real have had two fantastic performances against Barcelona, I saw the first one and they played very well. They’ve found form at the right time, whereas our form as been consistent for quite a while. As a European occasion I don’t think you get bigger than this. It’s set up to be a marvellous game and I don’t think it will be a disappointment.

“I think there’ll be goals, I think both teams will score. We have to think that we can score more than one.

“As we know, I believe they are one of the best counterattacking teams in Europe. That showed itself last Tuesday at Camp Nou, they were absolutely stunning. We’ve got to find a way of coping with that but posing an attacking threat also.

“If you’re preparing for a game at any level you have to pay respect to the strength of the other team, which we do. We look at their dangerous players and tactics. That applies itself tomorrow, we also know about the strength of our own team and where we are. We know our strengths and our pattern of play and hopefully it helps us tomorrow.”

Ferguson also reaffirmed that Ryan Giggs will play some part.

“Well he played against QPR and we always like to keep him fresh. Tomorrow he will be involved at some point, whether starting or on the bench, I haven’t made my mind up. His experience of these occasions will be vital to us.

More to follow…