Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer called for passion from his players after Sunday's 5-0 home thrashing by Liverpool.

The Daily Mail says Solskjaer warned his players to brace themselves for a week of intense external pressure as he issued a heartfelt rallying cry to his United players following the embarrassing loss to Liverpool.

In the aftermath of the 5-0 humiliation to their deadly rivals, sources claim United boss Solskjaer, who is facing growing doubts from within his squad over his suitability as head coach, was just as stunned as anyone in the confines of the team's Old Trafford dressing room after the full-time whistle.

But Solskjaer, it is understood, did call on his players to "fight" their way back from one of the darkest days the club has suffered in their illustrious history.

"It was made clear to the players that they all, including the manager, would get battered this week," said a source.

"But the message was that the team either fights each other or fight back together."