Christian Eriksen has defended Manchester United teammate David de Gea following the goalkeeper's mistake in Sunday's 1-0 loss at West Ham United in the Premier League.

De Gea allowed a tame strike from Said Benrahma to squirm past him in the first half of the clash at the London Stadium, and the goal proved to be the difference between the two teams.

The goalkeeper's mistake has led to widespread criticism, but he has been defended by Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag, and Eriksen has now backed his teammate.

"He [De Gea] is one of the reasons why we are where we are," Eriksen told MUTV.. "He has proven that again and again. Anyone can have a bad game or a little mistake.

"We had the team and we had the qualities. We should have bounced back and we will."

Man United have now lost their last two league games against Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham, but they remain fourth in the table, one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.

"I think we started the game well and felt we were in a good position to really get a grip on the game," Eriksen added when discussing the clash with West Ham.

"I think it's been a theme in a lot of the games we've lost or games we've played this season. We've had a lot of chances to finish the games early which, unluckily, we haven't done. You can see that today.

"Teams in the Premier League are tough and are good enough to punish us if we don't take them."

Man United have now played 57 times in all competitions this season, more than any team in Europe's top five leagues, but Eriksen was not prepared to use tiredness as an excuse for the loss in London.

"I don't think so. I think you get into a rhythm of playing the games," Eriksen added.

"This season is coming to an end but I still think we've got the energy to push and energy to win the games. I'm sure for the next five games we'll have the energy to finish in a strong way."

Man United will return to league action at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday before travelling to Bournemouth one week later; the Red Devils will then face Chelsea and Fulham at Old Trafford in their final two league matches of the season.

Ten Hag's side will then switch their attention to the FA Cup, with Manchester City their opposition in the final of the competition at the start of June. body check tags ::