Phil Jones feels Manchester United's win over Arsenal on Sunday is a positive step towards title contention.
The reigning champions saw off the league leaders 1-0 at Old Trafford which prompted the England international to suggest perhaps things were getting back on the right track after an indifferent beginning to the campaign.
"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 told PA Sport.
"We weren't champions for nothing. We thoroughly deserved all the points we got last season. This is a step in the right direction going into a busy period.
"People want us to fail because we have won the league so many times. United won the league long before I was here. Everyone hates the best clubs, it is as simple as that. We enjoy that and relish the test we get thrown at us week in, week out."
