Phil Jones believes Jose Mourinho is transforming Manchester United into title contenders after taking spending past £150m mark

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Jose Mourinho is turning Manchester United into Premier League title contenders as he prepares to take the club’s summer spending past the £150million mark, says England defender Phil Jones.

United have paid more than £100m for striker Romelu Lukaku and defender Victor Lindelof, and hope to complete a £44m deal for Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic. Mourinho also wants to add a defensive midfielder before the new season kicks off next month.

The Portuguese coach has a remarkable second season record, having won the title at FC Porto, Chelsea (twice), Inter Milan and Real Madrid, plus the Champions League with Porto and Inter.

Phil Jones believes Jose Mourinho has laid the foundations for a Premier League challenge 

United have splashed the cash in the transfer window and want to compete at the top end 

And Jones believes that Mourinho has laid the foundations for a title challenge after a poor sixth-place finish in his first campaign at Old Trafford.

‘Definitely,’ he said. ‘That’s what we need to do this season. Last season was disappointing in the league but we won the Europa League so that wasn’t bad.

‘This year we definitely have to start challenging for the title, there’s no question about it. But I think we can definitely do it with this squad.

‘We’re definitely a lot stronger this year. We’ve recruited well. Big Rom up front is a threat, a handful. Victor has come in and looks like he’s been here for five years now. We’re positive and looking forward to it.

United are enjoyed their pre-season in the United States ahead of the new campaign 

‘There is strength in depth and that’s what we need. That’s what the manager thought we needed. He’s recruited well, we’re all working well and gelling well. We are relishing the start of the season.’

Lindelof’s £31m move from Benfica has increased competition for places in central defence at Old Trafford. United also have Jones, Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling, while Marcos Rojo is expected back in mid-season as he recovers from a cruciate ligament injury.

But Jones is ready for the challenge, saying: ‘Whoever I’ve played under — Ferguson, Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Mourinho — if I’ve been fit, then the majority of the time I’ve played.

‘If there’s competition, there’s competition. There are some terrific defenders at the club. That’s the way it should be as well. You want to test yourself against the best and with the best and that’s what we’ve got here.’ After lifting the Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield last season, Jones believes Mourinho is instilling a winning mentality at United that has been largely missing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

Romelu Lukaku called new signing Romelu Lukaku a 'handful' up front for United

‘I think slowly but surely we’re getting that back,’ he added. ‘It’s taken time but I think we are getting there now. Hopefully this season, every time another team steps out at Old Trafford they know they are in for a tough time.

‘I think we have seen that last season, albeit we drew too many at home. But we will put that right this season.’ Jones was speaking after United beat Real Salt Lake in Utah thanks to Lukaku’s first goal for the club following his £75m move from Everton. The former Blackburn defender is confident it will be the first of many.

‘You can see he’s a strong player,’ said Jones. ‘He’s difficult for defenders to play against. You have to be cute against him but he’s going to be a handful for a lot of players this season.

‘We are lucky to have him. Hopefully he can score a lot of goals for us. He knows where the back of the net is, and he adds something different to what we had last season. He’s a terrific striker.’