Every word from Erik’s press conference: Part two

The Reds will be bidding to return to Premier League action with a win, as we take on the Eagles at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon (15:00 GMT).

Suffering defeat in our last domestic outing against Arsenal, United are undefeated in our last 14 home outings under Ten Hag and will hope to claim three precious points against Patrick Vieira's side this weekend.

Fielding questions from journalists, Erik was asked about our squad depth following Christian Eriksen's injury setback, as well as providing an insight into his side's team spirit at present.

Below, you can read and watch everything the boss had to say earlier...

Erik you said about how unhappy you were about Andy Carroll's tackle and the elbow on Lisandro Martinez. The other night at 0-0, it was strange that Wout Weghorst didn't get a penalty. Have the club asked for any explanation about some of the inconsistent decisions the team are getting?
''No. You have to accept it as that is football. It is how it is and we have to accept that Christian Eriksen is out for a couple of months on what is a big setback, but it is what it is. This is a setback and we have to deal with that, the same with decisions from refereeing, you have to accept it and don't lose too much focus or energy on it. We focus on our game.''

Is there a concern though? One of those decisions could be pivotal, not the other night, but perhaps further down the line, it might be vital?
''That is the case, yeah, but we trust the refereeing here in the UK.''

Erik you have built a real camaraderie and spirit here at the club. How important is it to maintain that between now and the end of the decision and could anything internally affect or disrupt that?
''It is really important. But sometimes you have issues and as a club, as a team, you have to deal with it. We have standards, we have values, and we have to live by those high standards and values. That gives a base, if you have such a good culture, that you can have spirit and fight.''

After the problem of Cristiano Ronaldo went, and all those questions you were facing about him went away, there seemed to be a greater focus on the football. Does that make a difference to the players, those external things aren't around anymore, and the total focus is the game? And for you as well?
''Yeah. I think that is our job and we don't get distracted from anything, and, of course, we are human beings, there are issues. We are not like robots. We have to focus on our jobs in every game, as we have so many games to cover. We don't have time to get distracted from anything and it is not always easy. This is the job.''

I remember Sir Alex saying, in the Treble season, there were so many games, one after the other, that players enjoyed that and got some momentum going? Are you finding that with the midweek games?
''I think so. I think this is just the right way and the right approach to do it and to not get distracted from anything. Keep the momentum going and we have that our in hands, we can influence that and we can also influence our team performance and our individual performance. That is our demand.''

Hi Erik, it’s been 250 days tomorrow since your first working day at Manchester United. How happy are you with the job done so far and what are the key challenges in the next few weeks and months?
''What we want is for us is good is not good enough. To bring that winning culture in this club, what was previously the case for a long time and that was that winning culture. That's why this club won so many trophies in the last decade. Obviously, the last years, not that much, and we have to get back to those days. It is only when you have the right strategy, the right culture and if you work hard every day. If you don't get too satisfied with yourself quickly and the amount of high standards every day. We have to give the best ourselves every day and also give the best version of yourself. If everyone is doing that and co-operates well, then you can achieve a lot. That is the way and the direction we want to go. Finally, it has to come that we are winning trophies again.''

Erik, most of the teams at the top of the Premier League, but not all of them, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool, they have all spent a little bit in January, they have all deepened their squad a little bit. When you look at your squad, do you see the depth that you know you need. We know you have a very competent starting XI, do you have the depth though from in your 18-25 for a club of this size?
''We have to see it. We have formed and constructed a squad, we invest also in the summer. From that point on, it is about developing the team and it has to come on the training ground, it has to come in the matches, that we develop the team. That is the advantage of having so many matches, that you can work on that and you don't have to wait so long [for the next one]. If you have so many matches, you can also improve on them quicker and in the game. That is what we are seeing in this moment and we are seeing with the players, to cover that. There is a limit to every player but we have a depth in our squad. Maybe not as far as other teams, but that has something to do with your approach to it and how you do your load management. If you do that right, I think you can go far.''

Do you have a preference on squad size? Some prefer to have a big squad some not, some like to have a squad that they can rotate slightly less?
''I don't prefer a huge squad because that also gives you problems. As I said before, in the frontline until now, we have some problems in quantity. Not in quality but with availability of the players, you definitely need numbers there if you want to cover all the games. If you want to be successful.''

Given Eriksen is said to be out until early May, are you serious injury for Casemiro away from this season being a disaster, or very difficult because of how important he is and given Christian is already out?
''Yeah, he is important but, in top football, there is a risk and we know that. Players get injured and you can’t avoid it. Of course, if you want to be successful in the season, you need to keep players on board.''

But is there a way to avoid it but having a deeper midfield core? Another Casemiro like player to go with Eriksen?
''I think it is not possible to have two Casemiros or two Christian Eriksens!''

City have many? All very good ones?
''I think, in that part, we can be a bit a deeper. Before the start of the season, we want to restore Man United but it will take time. It will take seasons and time in days to compete for everything. For the highest trophies in the world.''

Just on Casemiro, I think he started 20 of your last 24 games. He came on as a sub in the others and was suspended for Arsenal. You can’t afford to drop him at the moment because of injuries but is there a danger that he may suffer from burning out from playing too many games? Or is that not a concern at all?
''I think about this for every player. Bruno [Fernandes] is also playing every game, but I believe these players are capable of it because that's why they are so good and you can always rely on them for the club. That is why they have won so many trophies, Casemiro at Real Madrid. Even there, he played so many games.''