Christian Eriksen: Forest defeat was 'nothing new'

Christian Eriksen says Manchester United must iron out their inconsistencies after a limp defeat at Nottingham Forest that was "hard to swallow" but "nothing new".

Erik ten Hag's side have seen forward momentum followed by setbacks on numerous occasions this season, with the conclusion to 2023 epitomising their ongoing issues.

Old Trafford was rocking on St Stephen's Night as United secured a brilliant 3-2 comeback against Aston Villa, but their performance regressed on the banks of the Trent on Saturday evening.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s late strike sealed Forest a memorable 2-1 triumph as United suffered a 21st defeat of the calendar year, and 14th in all competitions of a chastening campaign.

"Disappointed," midfielder Eriksen said when summing up the dressing room mood. "I think we came out with the belief that we’re going to get the three points.

"I think in the biggest part of the game we were in a good position to get the three points.

"Obviously the goals were tough, the moments we conceded, but, in the end, we have zero points which is not good enough."

United were dealing with a string of absentees at the City Ground, including Rasmus Hojlund, who scored the winner against Aston Villa, through illness.

That offers some mitigation but the overall performance was far too meek and loose, only increasing the pressure on under-fire Ten Hag and his players.

"We have to look forward, we have to work to get back," Eriksen said.

"I mean, this season has been a lot of ups and downs, so it’s nothing new for us.

"This of course is hard to swallow, but we have to get back up and there’s no other way than focus on the next game."

United return to action at Wigan in the FA Cup third round on 8 January and then host Tottenham in what is their