'If we' - Erik ten Hag fires blunt message to Liverpool as Man Utd 'put five players up for sale'

Erik ten Hag has insisted that Manchester United are capable of beating 'any opponent' as their clash against Liverpool looms.

Pressure has piled on ten Hag because of the Red Devils' stuttering form. United suffered a chastening 3-0 loss at the hands of AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford last weekend, while they have also suffered home defeats by Brighton and Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils sit just sixth in the Premier League table - some 10 points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's men welcome United to Anfield on Sunday, having earned a famous 7-0 triumph in last campaign's encounter.

United first have a must-win clash against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. They have to beat the Bundesliga champions and hope that Galatasaray and Copenhagen's showdown ends in a draw to qualify for the knockout stage.

There is currently scant confidence among United fans amid reports that ten Hag has lost the confidence of some members of the dressing room. Speaking ahead of the Bayern match, the Old Trafford chief said: "We have very good performances and highs. We are able to beat any opponent.

"The game against Chelsea, Everton. Even against Galatasaray. This team can perform at really high levels. We have to work about that. It is my responsibility, to improve the team. I will give everything, the team will as well. I can show them the clips from Chelsea. If we have a good plan we can beat any opponent."

Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News reports that United are open to offers for five players ahead of the January transfer window. Jadon Sancho - already exiled by ten Hag - Raphael Verane, Casemiro, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial are all suggested to be surplus to requirements.