Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that his players are “anxious and afraid” ahead of their Premier League clash against log leaders Liverpool on Sunday evening.

United will travel to Anfield Stadium on the back of four successive defeats in all competitions – including three in the Premier League.

The Manchester giants have also won only two top-flight matches since the Portuguese gaffer took over in November.

Their latest result, a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United, left them in 14th place and just seven points above the relegation zone.

Describing his team’s lack of belief in recent weeks, Amorim said: “They are anxious and sometimes afraid on the pitch.

“We have to cope with that. We need the leaders to step up and to help the other guys – and I’m the most responsible person here to improve the performances.

“You can see the players are trying. Sometimes they are too anxious and too afraid to play football because this is a difficult moment.

“For two days we have just been doing the basics, focusing on our idea to play football, and doing our thing.

“The supporters are tired of this moment so it is strange to hear them chanting my name. I’m giving everything to help the club. I know it is hard to understand right now but we are going to succeed.”

United, who are 23 points behind Liverpool having played one game more, have not won at Anfield since January 2016 when Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game.