Phil Jones says Man Utd have lost fear factor and makes Real Madrid comparison

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has opened up about the intimidating aura that once surrounded the Red Devils, and how it needs to be reinstated. Jones, who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, joined a team fresh off a Premier League title win and a Champions League final appearance against Barcelona, widely regarded as one of the greatest club sides ever.

The retired England international, who had to hang up his boots due to injury at just 31, reminisced: "I remember my first season. We would be standing in the tunnel and when you looked across at the other team you knew you'd won the game before you'd even stepped onto the pitch.

"The fear was so obvious. You could sense that you had won the game before it had even started - and that's what United have to get back to. When teams go to Old Trafford they have to be thinking 'if we get a draw here then it's a great result'. That only happens when you have created a winning culture, a winning mentality and being relentless and ruthless.

"When you're winning games, no-one talks about the things that didn't go right. If you play for Man United, you have to win games of football. I think United need to get back to that kind of ruthlessness right the way through the club."

Jones also experienced firsthand the struggles United faced in trying to build on Ferguson's legacy after his retirement in 2013.

The Reds have seen a revolving door of nine permanent, interim and caretaker managers, along with nearly £2billion in transfer funds.

In an exclusive interview with Freebets.com, the home of top betting sites, Jones stated: "When you play for United, losing one game is a crisis. You have to deal with it. You have to expect the knives to come out if you're not winning.

"People say that it's not the same club, not as big as they used to be. Excuse my language, but that's absolute b******s!

"There is only one club that's even comparable to United - and that's Real Madrid. I know people will say I'm biased, but no other club comes close in terms of stature.

"They will always attract top players. Maybe they might not be in a position at the moment where they can't attract the real elite, but they will always be in a position to sign very good players."