Phil Jones claims the mood at Manchester United is not as bad as it was at the lowest point of David Moyes’ short reign as manager.

– Barcelona: Messi and Suarez wrap-up Club World Cup win
– Guardiola: Where next for Pep?
– VOTE NOW: End of Year Awards 2015
– SHARE, RATE, WIN: Sport360 ValoraFutbol 

A gloom has descended at Old Trafford after a dismal run of results and heavy criticism of the team’s performances and manager Louis van Gaal.

United’s 2-1 loss to Norwich on Saturday was their third successive defeat in a sequence which also saw them eliminated from the Champions League.

Van Gaal is under heavy pressure and fans have been making their frustration clear, but Jones claims the atmosphere was worse during Moyes’ ill-fated season in charge two years ago.

The defender said: “I wouldn’t say it’s the lowest moment. I think it became pretty glum, if you like, under David Moyes and it was unfortunate. We weren’t playing well at the time.

“There’s no point saying we’ve played some good football this season because ultimately we’ve lost three games in a row – but we have in patches. We need to stick together, there’s nothing else you can do.”

United, who have not won in six games in all competitions, have slipped to fifth and Jose Mourinho, who left Chelsea last week, has been linked with Van Gaal’s job.

But Jones insists the players are backing the Dutchman to turn the situation around.

The 23-year-old said: “The manager is doing all he can and is doing a terrific job. It’s not even questionable in the dressing room. The lads are absolutely fully focused on performing well for the manager, the fans, ourselves week-in, week-out.

“The players in there aren’t hiding behind anyone. We know full well we have to take responsibility.”