13/08/2017 07:39, Report by Matt Bullin

Manchester United defender Phil Jones has called for his side to make Old Trafford a fortress in the 2017/18 campaign.

The Reds were left frustrated at home on a number of occasions last season, as several teams Jose Mourinho’s side were expected to beat escaped the Theatre of Dreams with a point.

Ahead of United's Premier League opener against West Ham, Jones has urged his team-mates to put a run together at Old Trafford which will strike fear in the hearts of the visiting teams.

“It’s very important [to make Old Trafford a fortress],” Jones told MUTV. “We’ve got to make sure that teams coming to Old Trafford this season know that they’re in for a tough game and know that they’re going to be under the cosh for a lot of the game.

“I think we got that back last year. I think teams definitely came to Old Trafford and feared us a lot more than in recent years, and we need to keep that momentum going.

“We’ve got a great squad now, with youth and experience, and hopefully that combination will serve us well.”

The United centre-back is aware that his former team-mate Javier Hernandez could make his first appearance at Old Trafford since leaving the club two years ago, this time playing for the away team as one of West Ham's new signings.

The striker known as Chicharito served the Reds between 2010 and 2015, and Jones believes the United faithful will give the Mexican a warm welcome should he feature on Sunday.

“I think he’ll get a great reception, he was very well liked here, not just as a player but as a professional off the pitch,” the Reds defender continued. “He was a good player and he’ll be a tough opponent, but we’ve got to make sure we do our things right and perform as well as we can do.”

Jones was also keen to pay homage to the United fans all over the world who support the club, as well as those who will be attending the match on Sunday.

“The support around the world is massively appreciated – we feel it every game,” he added. “Whether you’re there or you’re not there and cheering us on through the TV – we feel that.

“When the results don’t go so well, we feel the pain as much as they do, but that’s what we’re about and we stick together through the tough times and the good times. Hopefully we’ll have more good times than bad times this season.”

Follow coverage of United’s first 2017/18 Premier League game, at home to West Ham on Sunday, in our live match blog on ManUtd.com and on Twitter via @ManUtd.