Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fears that his position at Manchester United will come under intense pressure if his team are heavily defeated by Liverpool in their next match.

Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, said two weeks ago that he backed Solskjaer to turn things around and it is thought that his stance has not changed. But United’s manager is understood to be concerned that pressure will mount on him significantly if Liverpool win handsomely at Old Trafford.

The Times also understands that some senior members of the United hierarchy were dismayed by the manner of Sunday’s defeat against Newcastle United and are wondering how much longer they can allow the situation to continue. The international break might be seen as the opportunity to act.

Liverpool are