Jones ignoring Man United's doubters

Phil Jones says Manchester United are not taking any notice of those who claim they are not favourites for the title.

The top three contenders for the Barclays Premier League - Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City - have all changed managers this summer, making the upcoming campaign an intriguing prospect.

One thing that separates United from the other two is that they have been inactive in the transfer window, with 20-year-old Uruguayan defender Guillermo Varela the only new addition to David Moyes' squad this summer.

While United have seen their pursuit of Cesc Fabregas fail, Chelsea and City have spent over £100million between them to improve their respective squads.

The bookmakers have made United third favourites for the title because of that reason, and because of the furore surrounding Wayne Rooney's future, but Jones says the squad is blocking out any negative noise that is coming from outside the club.

"Who said we are third favourites? The bookies? They're never wrong," Jones said ironically.

"We'll just take it as it comes, they can say what they want but we're focused on what we're doing and we know if we go about it the way we go about it we'll be fine."

The Rooney transfer saga has dominated the agenda since Moyes took over from Sir Alex Ferguson earlier this summer.

The striker is said to be interested in a move to Chelsea, but the Old Trafford club insist the 27-year-old will not be sold.

Rooney has not played for United in pre-season due to hamstring and shoulder injuries, but he turned out for 67 minutes of England's 3-2 win over Scotland on Wednesday night and Jones now wants to see his team-mate back in action for his club too.

"Wayne is a great player, and he did well (against Scotland)," the centre-back said.

"Hopefully this will be the first step to getting him back fully fit.

"We know what he can do and I am sure he will.

"He is a strong character."

Rooney looked short of match practice on Wednesday night, but United's other England players performed well.

Danny Welbeck was named man of the match after scoring England's second equaliser while Tom Cleverley laid on the pass of the match to send Theo Walcott through for the first.

Jones thinks the duo's performance bodes well for United, who start their Barclays Premier League campaign at Swansea on Saturday.

"Danny is terrific," Jones said.

"He has got a lot of energy, a lot of skill, and scores goals, that's what we need for Man United this season.

"And Clevz is another one who's done brilliant in pre-season.

"Hopefully we can keep him fit for the full season."