Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's defiant verdict on his position as Man Utd manager

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists he still has the backing of Manchester United's players and hierarchy - after a dismal run that has left him clinging to his job.

United have taken just four points from 18 to slip to sixth in the Premier League, with back-to-back home defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City leaving Solskjaer under huge pressure.

But ahead of United's trip to Watford tomorrow, Solskjaer said he and his squad remain together and focused on turning the situation around to move back up the table.

"The players, the staff, myself, the club, we are working towards one goal - to improve and get better results," said Solskjaer.

"The fans are still supporting the team and the club, they've been through this period and backed the team through the rebuild.

"When you lose a game, you're always disappointed and under pressure, but we've been communicating openly and honestly.

"We've been through periods like this before. Our away form, we've just gone 30-odd games and lost one.

"Last season we turned it around and went on a run of 20-odd games and done defeat, that's the kind of run we need to get back.

"I've been in contact and communicated with the club as I do all the time. It's been a long international break, but it's one that we've utilised to our benefit, we feel.

"It's been a good response from the players and we're ready for the Watford game.

"This week we've prioritised a few things we have to improve on. Form and performances haven't been good enough.

"We can do better, we should do better and it's down to performances on the day.

"Sometimes you hit the post and it goes out, sometimes it goes in, that can affect the mood and atmosphere."

Solskjaer admitted United's recent poor run had put extra pressure on him and his players, but called on his squad to use that pressure to improve their performance level in the weeks ahead.

"Of course, we know that with a poor run of form that we put ourselves under pressure," said Solskjaer.

"But that pressure should be a joy, it should make us a better team, make players perform at their best level and it's a game to go into and enjoy.

"I don't know how many games we've had away from home. We lost to Leicester, but the unbeaten record before that is something we need to draw confidence from."