Manchester United News: The Reds were a "laughing stock" under Mourinho – Jones

Phil Jones said Manchester United was a "laughing stock" under Jose Mourinho this season, but the Red Devils "are heading in the right direction now" with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the helm.

Mourinho was sacked in December because of United's bad performance and rumors of trouble in the locker room – midfielder Paul Pogba at the center of Manchester's discontent.

United was out of the Champions League and was in shock after losing 3-1 in the Premier League, but the club has played 11 games without a loss in all competitions since Solskjaer's appointment as interim goalkeeper. .

After Saturday's 3-0 win over poor Fulham, United is looming as a legitimate threat in the Champions League ahead of the first leg of the first leg of Tuesday's last 16 at home against Paris Saint-Germain and central defender Jones is confident.

"Everyone should take us seriously now," said Jones, who signed a new four-year contract with United this week.

"We may have been a laughingstock at the start of the season, but it's certainly not the case now, we've proven in the last 10 or 12 games, we're improving, we're improving."

"It was difficult for everyone – the club, the fans, everyone – but it's about becoming stronger and succeeding.

"I have already said, we have not done anything yet, we do not have illusions, but we are going in the right direction."

Pogba scored twice against Fulham at Craven Cottage, where Anthony Martial was also on goal with a nice solo goal.

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United has a lead over Chelsea and Arsenal, and nine points over Tottenham, third, after 26 Premier League matches.

"We knew we could get into the top four – it's a big statement of where we stand, we just have to keep improving and keep scoring," Jones said.

"Consistency is the key to any sport and it's no different here, we're running a race, we need to keep our momentum and accumulate points, it's a difficult time coming, but it's the games you want to play, the games you want to be available for.