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.