Ruben Amorim has called on Manchester United's board to help prevent other first-team players from “fearing” the pitch.
The former Sporting CP boss has enjoyed defeat in six of his first 11 games in all competitions since replacing Erik ten Hag, including five defeats in United's last six Premier League games.
United is in 14th place in the standings Premier League table as a result, with many beginning to question whether the club is actually engaged in a battle to avoid relegation.
A journey to leaders and bitter rivals, Liverpool will provide united with one of the toughest tests they will face all season, and Amorim admits his players need to improve their mentality if they are to start turning results around.
“They are sometimes afraid on the field,” Amorim told reporters. “So we have to deal with that. We need the leaders to step up to help the other guys – and I'm the most responsible person here to improve performance. You can see that the players are trying. Sometimes they are too worried and too scared to play football because this is a difficult moment.”
“Of course when you are (losing) there is a lot of pressure. It's hard to deal with all the problems, bad performances and losses, it's really hard. It's supposed to be really hard.
“The only thing that can help me is training with the players and I also have my family here now, so it's very different, it can help me.”
Amorim also acknowledged this Relegation is a 'possibility' but insisted: “I'm not thinking about that, I just want to watch the next game. I just think it's really, really important to be very clear with the players and the fans.”
United last won at Anfield in 2016, when Wayne Rooney's 78th-minute winner was enough to give Louis van Gaal victory over a Liverpool side that featured Simon Mignolet in goal and Nathaniel Clyne. Mamadou Sakho, Emre Can and Alberto Moreno. along the back line.