Jones says United inspired by rivals’ hate

Defender Phil Jones has claimed Manchester United’s critics have been desperate for the Old Trafford outfit to fail this season.

After a woeful start to the new campaign, when they won just three of their opening eight games and found themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League, United have shoved themselves firmly back into contention.

Sunday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal means they are just five points adrift of the table-topping Gunners and within striking distance of Liverpool and Chelsea, while also leapfrogging neighbours Manchester City.

The latter event is particularly significant because City manager Manuel Pellegrini has been given a relatively easy time following his arrival as Roberto Mancini’s replacement at the Etihad Stadium.

It contrasts sharply with the scrutiny David Moyes has found himself under at United, but Jones is not surprised that is the case.

“People want us to fail because we have won the league so many times,” said the England international.

“Everyone hates the best clubs, it is as simple as that, and United won the league long before I was here.

“We enjoy that. We relish the test we get thrown at us every week.

“It proves when people doubt us we are more than capable of standing up for ourselves and proving to people that is why we were champions last season,” Jones said.

Nemanja Vidic, who suffered a concussion against Arsenal, was released from hospital on Sunday night and will be monitored by United medical staff before it is decided whether he can feature in the club’s next match, at Cardiff on November 24.

Meanwhile, Thomas Vermaelen insists he still has a future at Arsenal.

The Belgian defender made his first Premier League start of the season at Old Trafford. It was a rare experience for Vermaelen, who has found himself squeezed out by the form of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has already assured Vermaelen of his place in his country’s squad for next summer’s World Cup Finals in Brazil.

Nevertheless, a lack of game time must be an obvious concern for the 27-year-old, who only got his chance at Old Trafford after Mertesacker went down with a stomach bug.

He said: “I’m still confident I can play for this club,” he said. “I keep reading stories that I want to leave. But that’s not the case.

“I am always positive. In any case, it is not about my situation. It’s what the team do and I am really happy that we’re top of the league.”