Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is wise enough to know that Manchester United are enduring one of their most difficult periods in modern times.

But he is certain of one thing. Their title drought will never the reach the lengths of that of great rivals Liverpool.

When Liverpool were crowned champions of England in 1990, they led United 18-7 for league titles. After the final success of Sir Alex Ferguson’s glorious reign in 2013, it was 20-18 in United’s favour.

Six years have passed since then and the Old Trafford club have never threatened to add a post-Fergie Premier League title.

But that seems nothing compared to the time that has elapsed since Sir Kenny Dalglish’s team were victorious, with seven other clubs sharing the spoils in the ensuing period.

“I am sure we will bounce back and win the league,” said Solskjaer, with a twinkle in his eye. “And I am sure it won’t be 30 years until the next Premier League that we do win.”

That is a rare crumb of comfort at the moment for those with United in their hearts, as sitting 15 points below Jurgen Klopp’s reigning European Champions in the table after only eight games is something unpalatable.

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Trying to dress up the current situation at Old Trafford given the paucity of results and performances would require more spin than a Shane Warne special.

But victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon would be a good step in the right direction for Solskjaer and all his players.

“A good performance and result for us here can turn a season,” he reasons. “It can change players’ confidence, players’ mood, their perception of what is good.

“Maybe they haven’t really believed they are good enough at times. With a lack of confidence, you think twice instead of acting on instinct. But I know these players are good enough – no worries about that.”

Manchester United are struggling so far this season credit: Getty Images

Another criticism aimed at the current United is a lack of leadership on the field. But Solskjaer does not think his is the only team missing a modern-day Roy Keane, who would have revelled in the heat of battle with Liverpool.

“It is a different way of leading players and being a captain,” adds the United boss. “Back in the day, it was straight and to the point.

“We have good, experienced leaders – David (De Gea), Paul (Pogba), Harry (Maguire), Victor (Lindelof). But they are leaders in a different way to Roy Keane and Bryan Robson and all those warriors.”