Manchester United defender Phil Jones admits their Christmas programme has been frustrating.

A dismal run of three points from a possible nine has seen them drop to third, with a chasing pack including Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal closing in fast behind them.

Jones admits United are looking over their shoulders and said: “That's obvious if you look at the table.

“But we have to concentrate on ourselves. It sounds so cliched, but we need to look after each other and stick together, which is what we will do.

“We need to keep going and keep battling. It's frustrating for us, frustrating for the fans of course and everyone involved, but there's no point sitting here and sulking about it. We haven't got beat, but it feels like a defeat.

“It's tough to take. It's not as if we're not creating the chances, but unfortunately at the moment we can't put them away. We need to stick together and keep going, that's all we can do."

Jones admits the fact neighbours Manchester City have been producing record-breaking football right under their noses increases the pressure at Old Trafford.

“It won't help," he said. “It's difficult, we're going through a patch where we're picking up a few draws and not winning games like we should be.

“But we'll get there. In another few weeks' time we might be standing here saying we're in a very controlled position again, but we've got to make sure we do that rather than just say it."