Manchester United face a daunting trip to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with manager Erik ten Hag under huge pressure to produce an upset against the Premier League leaders.
United crashed out of Europe on Tuesday night after losing 1-0 at home to Bayern Munich, a result which ensured they finished bottom of their Champions League group.
United must bounce back quickly when they face Liverpool at Anfield, the scene of their humiliating 7-0 defeat last season.
But Ten Hag's side will be without several key players, including suspended captain Bruno Fernandes and the injured Harry Maguire.
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United are currently seventh in the Premier League and will be 13 points behind Liverpool if they lose.
Despite United's disappointing league position, Ten Hag is believed to be currently safe in his role.
The Manchester Evening News claim the Dutchman is unlikely to be sacked in the coming weeks but could come under "greater pressure" if they lose badly at Anfield.
"Well-placed sources say Ten Hag's position will be viewed as weaker if they suffer a third successive defeat at Anfield," read the report.
"Barring another annihilation by their greatest rivals, Ten Hag is still expected to remain in charge for the fixture away to West Ham United on December 23.
"Sources indicate United football director John Murtough has no intention of seeking Ten Hag's dismissal while interim chief executive Patrick Stewart is not empowered to make such a major decision."
Speaking ahead of the match, Ten Hag was confident his side would be able to produce an upset away from home.
"They are top of the league and so, in a tough league as the Premier League, it tells that they are doing very good," he said.
"That it's a very good team, it's very good players, individual-wise. And so, yeah, all the rewards to the manager, to the coaching staff and how they perform, but there are opportunities against them, and we have to believe in those opportunities."
Topics: Liverpool, Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag
Rory O'Callaghan