Phil Jones is hoping he can finally get some minutes for Manchester United in the Europa League after failing to appear so far this season.
The centre back has yet to get a single minute for United this season but with the start of the cup competitions the 27-year-old is hoping to get some minutes under his belt.
Summer signing Harry Maguire has kept Jones out of the team while Axel Tuanzebe also appears to have been pushed ahead of the England international in the pecking order as Solskjaer sticks with his promise to promote youth.
And Solskjaer confirmed Tuanzebe would be starting the first Europa League group game against Astana on Thursday night casting further doubt over a possible role for Jones.
But, the England international is hopeful he will be given an opportunity.
“There are players like myself, who’ve not been involved as much, but it’s a chance for everyone to get games,” Jones told ManUtd.com.
“It’s a busy period when all the games come thick and fast, when you need a big squad with everyone ready to fight. But it's a period we relish.”
Solskjaer confirmed Fred, Romero and Greenwood will start alongside Tuanzebe at Old Trafford on Thursday night and Jones believes the youngsters in the squad can really prove a point in Europe.
"There are some unbelievably talented young players coming through,” Jones added.
“That’s something we should all be excited about. Hopefully, it [the Europa League] is a great chance for them to showcase what they’re about.
“If they do what they do in training and in the games that I’ve seen them play, they’ll be absolutely fine.”
