Sir Alex Ferguson has been spotted at Manchester United's Carrington training ground in the build up to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side's crucial Liverpool clash.

The legendary United boss was seen in conversation with Solskjaer and first-team coach Michael Carrick - two long-serving players in the Ferguson era - during United's U18's game against Middlesbrough.

It was under Ferguson that United overtook Liverpool's league title haul to become the most successful side in English league history.

Sir Alex Ferguson was at Carrington visiting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick

Solskjaer was a long-serving Manchester United player, playing from 1996 to 2007

In 64 meetings, the Scot also came out on top on the pitch: winning 29 games to Liverpool's 21.

United have continued to edge the fierce rivalry since, winning five, losing three and drawing four.

However, a win for United on Sunday against the league leaders - even at Old Trafford - seems unlikely, with the Red Devils wallowing in 13th.

United are in need of a boost going into a crunch Liverpool clash at Old Trafford on Sunday

Ferguson guided United to overtaking Liverpool's league title haul of 18 in his reign

A defeat to their old rivals will heap even more pressure on Solskjaer and chief executive Ed Woodward - after United's miserable form towards the end of last season has spilled into 2019/20.

A win would be a welcome confidence boost for United, and fans would take extra pride in stopping Liverpool extending their winning streak to a record-equalling 18 games.