Manchester United star Phil Jones ready to return against Crystal Palace

Manchester United star Phil Jones says he is ready to return to action for the last three games of the campaign after playing 62 minutes for the Under-21 side during the 1-0 victory over Southampton on 4 May.

The England international has missed the last three games due to injury, with his side since suffering consecutive defeats against Chelsea, Everton and West Bromwich Albion.

Manager Louis van Gaal has been forced to rebuild his back line in those games due to injuries to Jones, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans, with United conceding five goals in three games.

So having played a key role during United's best moments of the campaign, starting in the victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester City, Jones is expected to return to the starting line-up for the crucial game against Crystal Palace on 9 May to address the problems in defence.

Jones was on the bench for the 1-0 defeat to West Brom on 2 May but took advantage of his game with the Under- 21 side to build on his fitness.

"I'm happy to play in the Under-21s and get some fitness," Jones told MUTV. "The lads did well. I feel I'm ready to go again and hopefully I can make the squad on Saturday. Hopefully, I'll recover on Tuesday, then train on Wednesday and Thursday, and see how it goes. I'll take it from there.

"[As a team], we have got a long way to go as there are still three games coming up, three massive games, and we have got to approach it in the right way. I'm sure we can do that and cement that top-four finish."

United visit Selhurst Park in search of a return to winning ways to consolidate their place in the Champions League spots, with fifth-place Liverpool four points behind. The Premier League giants will then host Arsenal before a final game at Hull City.