Solskjaer: The whole of Manchester will be cheering us on

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned Liverpool they will be facing a Manchester United side roared on by the whole of their city when they head to Old Trafford today.

A point for Jurgen Klopp’s side would lift them above Manchester City at the top of the Premier League and United caretaker manager Solskjaer is adamant his side will be in the unusual position of being supported by their local rivals as they look to prevent Liverpool’s first title since 1990.

“No, we are not thinking about doing anyone any favours, but I would think the whole of Manchester will be supporting us,” the Norwegian said.

Solskjaer has been in charge since Jose Mourinho was sacked following a 3-1 defeat at Anfield in December and since then his United side have taken 25 points from a possible 27, the best record in the division in that period.

Key to that resurgence has been the improvement of Paul Pogba, with the Frenchman scoring nine goals and providing six assists in 12 appearances under Solskjaer, amid suggestions that he has toned down his off-field activities.

The midfielder has become as well known for his colourful hairstyles and his social-media posts as for his football skills during his time at Old Trafford but the caretaker manager thinks that Pogba is learning to tone down his online activity, which was a bone of contention with Mourinho.

Solskjaer believes it is important that players do not have too many off-field distractions – making what seemed to be a reference to the appearance of Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge at the O2 arena for the Brit Awards.

However, he believes Pogba is showing the professionalism required. “He is a leader in training, he is a leader in the dressing room. Paul has always been a larger-than-life character. But you don’t want to give anyone an excuse, so, of course, you don’t go to the Brit Awards,” Solskjaer said.

‘Paul Pogba is a larger-than-life character. He leads at training and in the dressing room’