Mount vows to use team criticism as motivation to right the wrongs of last season

MASON MOUNT says Manchester United are using critics and doubters to fuel their bid to hit the ground running and put things right after a season to forget.

- By SIMON PEACH

All eyes will be on Old Trafford this Sunday as the rebuilding Red Devils welcome Arsenal in the most eye-catching Premier League clash of the opening weekend.

United came 15th last term their worst topflight finish in 51 years and lost the Europa League final to put the lid on a miserable and financially-damaging campaign.

Mount knows the team “need to repay” United's fans, who appear to be heading into Sunday's game with a sense of optimism following a positive summer and some impressive recruits.

“It’s a clean slate and we're so excited to be able to have that opportunity,” the midfielder said.

“A lot of people have said a lot of stuff about us as a group, and we ball that up and we use that energy in the best way we can, and that’s on the football pitch against other teams, and really competing and fighting for those three points.”

Mount says the players “want to put it right” and are relishing the chance to take on last season’s Premier League runners-up this weekend.