Solskjaer 'tells players he will be sacked' if Man United lose to Tottenham

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and forward Marcus Rashford [Courtesy]

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sensationally told his players he will be sacked if they lose to Tottenham, according to reports.

The Norwegian is under huge pressure at Old Trafford after Sunday's home draw against Aston Villa left the Red Devils ninth in the Premier League, eight points off the top four and 22 adrift of table-topping Liverpool.

Mauricio Pochettino is waiting in the wings after being axed by Tottenham and is the bookies' favourite to succeed Solskjaer should the axe fall on the baby-faced assassin.

Pochettino has had a break in his native Argentina but says he is ready for a fresh challenge in Europe despite only losing his job in north London last month.

Jose Mourinho succeeded Pochettino at Spurs and returns to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

And Solskjaer has told his flops that victory for Mourinho's men will see him lose his job, report The Sun.

United chief Ed Woodward has previously spoken of his commitment to Solskjaer and the long-term project at the Theatre of Dreams.

But former United striker Solskjaer is seemingly unconvinced by Woodward's reassurances with the Red Devils sitting just six points clear of the relegation zone.

Solskjaer succeeded Mourinho at United last December and took the club on an incredible run of form in caretaker charge, catapulting them into top-four contention.

He also led United to the quarter-finals of the Champions League but a dismal end to the season saw them finish in the Europa League places and lose their place at the continent's top table.