Rio Ferdinand warned Manchester United would likely be weaker at the back without first choice centre-back Victor Lindelof for Wednesday's clash with Burnley.
And it wasn't long before he was proven right, with the Red Devils going behind to the Clarets at Old Trafford after Chris Wood opened the scoring.
Lindelof was sent home from training in the week with illness, forcing United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to change his game plan and draft Phil Jones into the first team.
Ferdinand said on BT Sport: "Phil would not have been in his [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's] plans this week going into the game. That's part of being a professional football player, though.
"You have to be ready in an instant. He has to see this as an opportunity. He must think 'This is my chance to keep Lindelof out'."
He added: "Injuries have really hurt him for the majority of his career. When he has played he's been susceptible to making mistakes.
"Knowing him like I do, he is a determined fella, but you have to make sure you have to go out and perform at a club like this."
