Manchester United host Liverpool tomorrow afternoon amidst the Lancashire clubs worst start to the league season in 30 years.
Ole Solksjaer’s team could find themselves in the relegation zone (depending on Saturday’s other Premier League results) come kick-off at Old Trafford in tomorrows meeting between England’s two most successful club sides.
It will be the first game in a forth night for both clubs since the international break, and Solksjaer insists there is a positive mindset amongst his squad despite their current form and league standings.
Speaking at yesterday's pre-match press conference the Norwegian says this game can be a pivotal moment for his side.
“When you sign for Man United this is the first one you look forward to. Every year when the fixture list comes out you look to one of the home fixtures against one of the main rivals. It’s always been a big fixture. It’s a chance for them to get in the history books. It’s the chance to score a winner against Liverpool, and that will always be there with them.
United have endured a torrid start to the campaign with just 2 wins from their opening nine Premier League matches but the United manager believes he has brought the right culture back to the three-time European Cup winners, despite his team hovering just above the drop zone.
The United boss believes the ‘club culture’ is being restored after years of heavy spending on players that have not fitted in with the club’s ethos.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Solksjaer brought in three first-team players, that saw six go in the opposite direction (Including loans).
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Solksjaer remains confident the coaching team and players are working towards something positive.
“There’s been load of players away but that’s been the case for everyone. The mood here is always good. We’ve come a long way on what you call the culture – the environment we are working in, and it’s a positive one. It’s working towards something,’ said the 46-year-old.
However the 99’ European Cup winner remains under huge after his side endured the clubs worst start to a league campaign in 30 years. Solksjaer may take solice from the fact Liverpool’s Front-three of Mane, Firmino and Salah have never scored a goal at Old Trafford in a combined eight games at the iconic venue.
Despite just 49 points from 29 Premier League games since the Stavanger native took over from Jose Mourinho, United’s boss says there is an air of confidence ahead of Sunday’s fixture, and thinks a win would instill much needed confidence in the Red Devil’s ranks.
“The mood in the football club is always been affected by results but it has been better than expected in here. The people that you meet, they can see what we are trying to do but winning games is the biggest thing in football – it breeds confidence, that’s when you get the good mood, and you can smile happily,’ added Solksjaer.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has not won at Old Trafford since 2015 but fortunes for both clubs have changed considerably since that meeting – but Solkjaer remains adamant this fixture can kick-start his “determined” club’s season.
“It’s a determined bunch of players; and a determined club. I can’t say that we all walk around smiling at the moment or all the time. The staff, the players, they know when it’s Liverpool coming up.”
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