Manchester United defender Phil Jones has admitted that he goes through a "stupid" ritual before every game.

The 19-year-old, who received glowing praise from England boss Fabio Capello this week, has revealed that he has to do his bit off the pitch to try to ensure victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

"This sounds really stupid, but it depends on whether United are home or away," the Daily Star quotes Jones as saying. "In the fixtures list, United are on the left when we're at home and on the right when we're away.

"So this weekend, I will put my right sock on first because it will be Swansea versus United. Next week, if I play against Benfica at Old Trafford, I'll put my left sock on first. I also don't like stepping on white lines on the pitch.

"And when I do cross a white line, I'll take the first step with the foot that corresponds to whether we're home or away."

The former Blackburn Rovers teen also has a superstition when it comes to staying in a team hotel.

"This will sound proper over the top, but you know when you go to a hotel room and there are two towels hanging down?" he added.

"When I was on international duty last week, I picked the towel on the left because we were at home against Spain.

"I know it's weird but I can't help myself. Nobody knows about it so nobody has ever noticed, although I guess the secret's out now!"

Meanwhile, Jones is expected to feature in Manchester United's league match against Swansea City tomorrow.