Jordan Pickford is expecting a tough and physical finish to the Premier League season but insists Everton are up for the fight.

The Blues faced an in-form Manchester United side, who had only lost once in the league at Old Trafford all season, on Saturday afternoon.

Goals either side of the half-time whistle condemned Sean Dyche's men to a 2-0 defeat and brought to an unbeaten run of four games to a close.

With eight games remaining, England international Pickford has called upon his teammates to pick themselves up and go again after the setback.

"We know as a team we want to be much better," he said. "We know we can give so much more as a unit.

"To come to Old Trafford, sometimes we need to step up to the plate a bit more but we know they're a top side.

"Coming to Manchester United is always going to be tough. We probably needed a better mentality, but we were still in the game at 1-0 and then second goal kind of killed it really.

"That's what I'm there to do; make saves when called upon, but as a team unit we need to be better and we know that as well.

"We've got eight games left; eight finals, you can call them."

Saturday's lunchtime clash at Old Trafford was an open contest, particularly in the first half, with Pickford and his backline called into action on several occasions.

Despite the result, the 29-year-old says the Blues must continue to show that level of defensive resolve.

"We know they're a good side and in the top four," he added.

"We had a game plan, but so did United and sometimes you have to hold your hands up.

"The good thing is the game wasn't dead in the first half and we still had that opportunity in the second when it was only 1-0. We've got to keep grafting and working hard."