Every word from Erik's press conference: Part one

United are bidding to bounce back following our Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen in midweek, while the Hatters are relishing facing the Reds for the first time in the league since 1992.

Rob Edwards's side drew 1-1 with Liverpool last time out and Erik admits he is aware there are 'no easy games' in the Premier League, as we look to return to winning ways at the Theatre of Dreams.

Scroll down to read and watch everything the boss had to say, including lines on Marcus Rashford, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount...

Hi Erik, obviously there were extenuating circumstances but you did lose the game on Wednesday and that's nine defeats now [in 2023/24]. Is it acceptable for Manchester United to be losing so many games so early in the season?
“It is all about the end result. We have to win games, so we are very disappointed when we lose any game. But, finally it is about the end result. It is about being in a process, thinking about the process and then it is about managing that process. This is only what I focus on.”

Do you trust this group of players? You were two goals up and coasting and then something not great happened and then focus seemed to be lost. That is not the first time that has happened this season and if you can't overcome bad things in games, you won't get anywhere?
“I think we often [have] proved we can, like at Fulham. Like against Brentford. This team can overcome big setbacks.”

I just wanted to ask about Marcus Rashford. How has he been after the red card and are you happy with his form at the moment?
“I think he is not happy, we are not happy but that is because we have an expectation. He has high expectations from himself and in this moment, he is not in the best form. I know he will be back and I know when the team is playing better, he will be playing better. He will go and score goals, I am confident on that. Also this season, he will improve and he will score goals. He is totally in the team and he is totally aware of everything. He will be back on track soon.”

How confident are you that we will see the best of Marcus Rashford soon?
“It can happen very quickly. Sometimes you only need one game. I am sure that he will get there.”

Erik I am sure you will have seen the point Luton got against Liverpool last week in a big performance from them. What have you made of them as they try to find their feet in the Premier League?
“I think they have had some more good performances and results, so we are fully aware of that. In the Premier League there are no easy games and you have to play at your best and your highest levels in every game. So we are fully aware of it and we have to be 100 per cent fully focused on it in the game to win that game.”

Can I just ask... Jonny Evans obviously came off in that game against Copenhagen. How is he and what are his chances for the game and also for Northern Ireland next week?
“We don't have, in this moment, a full assessment done. So we didn't finish it and we don't have all the details so far. But for tomorrow he is out.”

And for next week do you know?
“I can't say this because we haven't fully finished the assessment.”

Hi Erik, with Mason Mount we have seen him play as a number eight, a number 10 and off the right, but so far he has not made any impressive impact. What was your expectation upon signing him and has it changed a little bit now?
“No, it hasn't changed at all. He started the season and then he got injured. That is the worst moment for a new player to get injured because it stops their integration process. That was a setback for us and for him. He now has to fight his way back.”

He hasn't been starting recently. Was there any reason behind that?
“He had some starts also recently against Newcastle last week, for instance. But there are always reasons and sometimes, like I say, the injury means other players coming in and doing well. Then you have to wait for your time to play.”