Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United are the underdogs against Liverpool at Anfield

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the absence of fans at Anfield on Sunday gives his Manchester United team the ability to shatter Liverpool’s aura of invincibility.

United manager Solskjaer believes his team are the underdogs ahead of this weekend’s clash, despite the fact they are three points ahead of champions Liverpool at the top of the table.

‘We are the hunters,’ he said.

‘They have the right. They have the trophy. They are the champions, the team everybody wants to beat.’

But despite this Solskjaer did admit during his lunchtime press conference on Friday that an empty Anfield could play in to United’s hands.

He said: ‘I think football and the results in general have shown how important the fans are.

‘We’ve not lost away since Anfield last season in the league and I think that’s a lot down to the fans not being there.

‘It’s now just green grass or a pitch of green grass and some white lines. No home and away advantage.

United are flying at the moment and are currently three points clear of Liverpool at the top

The United labelled his side as ‘the hunters’ ahead of this Sunday’s mouth-watering clash

‘Compared to previous times it’s a bit of an advantage this time.

‘To be at home with your fans is the best feeling for a player. It’s not just a cliché. You do need your supporters.’

United’s surge to the top of the table has surprised everybody, not least Solskjaer. On Friday he revealed he doesn’t even think his team have played their best football yet.

‘We know we can beat anyone anywhere on any given day,’ he said.

‘We don’t think about the consequences after that, just performances.

‘But this is a test and reality check of where we’re at. We have won many tight games and scored a few goals in injury time.

‘We have not really set the world alight too many times and to win at Anfield you need to be at your best level.

Solskjaer claims the absence of fans at Anfield this weekend could play into United’s hands

‘Of course where we are in the league gives us more confidence and is an indication of where we’re at but this is a game against the champions.

‘They’ve got an amazing record at Anfield in the league. They haven’t lost for many, many years there.

‘It’s a great test for us – can we go there and cause an upset?’

Solskjaer refused to get in to a debate about Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and his behaviour on the touchline.

‘I have a great deal of respect for him’ he said.

‘I haven’t experienced that.

He also revealed he has spoken to his players about trying to conform to Covid-19 guidelines about not hugging after they have scored a goal.

Solskjaer refused to get in to a debate about Jurgen Klopp and his behaviour on the touchline

‘We all know the situation we’re in and we all try to keep to the guidelines and to the rules,’ he said.

‘I can’t promise anything. If the players can control themselves, that’s the best now.

‘Football is about passion and instant moments.

‘You’ve seen loads of players after they score goals against former clubs and they can control emotions.

‘We have spoken about our responsibilities and duties. We are role models and will do our best when we celebrate. In just hope we get the chance on Sunday.’