Premier League 2018-19: The Manchester United vs Liverpool clash may well decide Solskjaer's long-term future

On 16th December 2018, Manchester United faced their legendary foes Liverpool at Anfield. The match made for depressing, desolate viewing for any Manchester United fan. The team seemed to be in tatters, while Liverpool were at the top of their game, and the Red Devils were ripped apart by Jurgen Klopp's side.

The loss was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back for the management and the fans. Jose Mourinho was sacked, and replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the interim manager.

What a difference the change has made. In the two months since, Manchester United look a side reborn. Despite no major signing in January, United have dominated games and eked out results. Barring the home loss to a superior PSG in the Champions League, United are unbeaten under the new manager.

There is a buzz in the team, while at the other end Liverpool no longer look invincible. And Solskjaer has won the Premier League Manager of the Month title.

The rivalry between the two clubs is the stuff of legend. Liverpool dominated English football for decades, but the arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson changed things - after which Manchester United became the club to beat.

Ferguson has been quoted as saying, "My greatest challenge is not what's happening at the moment, my greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their f*ing perch." And this he did achieve, with 20 titles for United to Liverpool's 19.

The significance of the clash can hardly be understated. Liverpool are yet to win a title since the start of the Premier League era. United haven't won the title since Ferguson departed.

Right now, Liverpool are close to winning their first Premier League title. And it is every United fan's heartfelt desire to throw a spanner in Liverpool's title charge.

With a single title separating Manchester United from Liverpool, the importance of Sunday's match is extremely high. It will pit a rejuvenated Manchester United against the title aspirations of Liverpool.

A win for Manchester will not only make it difficult for Liverpool to win the Premiership, but will also help their own cause of securing the Champions League spot. A loss, on the other hand, could well hand over the title to Liverpool.

Thus comes the challenge for Solskjaer. A win at Old Trafford will cement his position as the best choice for the full time manager's spot. But a loss to Liverpool is always difficult to digest, and may cause fans to forget his managerial achievements with United till date.

The Anfield loss sealed Mourinho's fate. A win for United at Old Trafford may just settle the management debate once and for all.