Phil Jones: 'Manchester United have answered their critics'

Manchester United defender Phil Jones has claimed that the whole squad have responded well to their critics this season ahead of Sunday's derby with local rivals Manchester City.

United lost 2-1 on the opening day of the season against Swansea City, and the Red Devils took a while to adapt to the methods of Louis van Gaal.

However, they have lost just twice since November to take them up to third in the Premier League, and Jones feels that the squad have emphatically answered their detractors.

He told Sky Sports News: "A lot of people wrote us off. We knew the capabilities and qualities in the dressing room. It's a big game at the weekend, we've got to go out and win the game.

"Every player is well aware of the philosophy of the manager and the way he wants his teams to play. I think that's why we've been hitting such good form lately. Every player now understands their role in the team. It's more stable.

"Players know what they're doing, day in, day out. Players like routines. They like to know what they're doing in the week and in training. You can tell by the performances of late that the players are happy and enjoying it. There's a real buzz around the training ground."

United were beaten 1-0 in November's Manchester derby.