Manchester United's disappointing six months can be explained in one word

Manchester United have been awfully inconsistent this season and Erik ten Hag is aware of the problem. Ten Hag has bemoaned the team's lack of consistency and, when speaking to journalists after the 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth, he raised eyebrows when saying the squad aren't good enough to be consistent.

It is a manager's job to produce consistent results and it's hoped United can build on their stunning 3-2 win against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, a result which gave supporters a much-needed lift.

"We know we have to get consistent but on our best days, we can beat anyone. We went head to head, toe to toe, with Arsenal, Liverpool and now Aston Villa," said Ten Hag after that game.

ALSO READ: United player ratings as Garnacho and Evans superb

ALSO READ: How United dressing room reacted to Ratcliffe minority takeover

"If we show this character, this is a very good team. We must keep believing. I think our fans, they deserved it. They are always behind us and we've had so many setbacks. I'm really pleased with the performance from my team.

"What can the team handle and deal with - so many setbacks in the first half of the season. They were resilient and showed character and personality, to turn it around, and I'm very pleased with this performance from my team.

"They got the reward for their hard work and it's actually unbelievable, so many setbacks that a normal team can't handle it. This team can. They keep the confidence and belief, even when losing 2-0 and all the history from this season at their back."

Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay are among the players to have discussed consistency this season and the latter recently confirmed the issue is a dressing room talking point.

United have