Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backs Man Utd to perform under increased pressure

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United can use the added pressure on them these days to their advantage when they face Watford on Saturday.

The boss' future has come into question on a number of occasions over the past few months, with the team's latest struggle - a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City that was far more emphatic than the scoreline suggests - ramping the pressure up even more.

A number of players were surprised by Solskjaer's decision to take a week off during the international break, but ahead of the Watford game, the Norwegian insists it was beneficial.

"It's been a long international break, but it's one that we've utilised to our benefit, we feel it's been a good response from the players and we're ready for the Watford game," he said (via Sky Sports).

"We've been through periods like this before. Our away form, we've just gone 30-odd games [unbeaten] and lost one. Last season, we turned it around and went on a run of 20-odd games and one defeat, that's the kind of run we need to get back.

"This week we've prioritised a few things we have to improve on. Form and performances haven't been good enough. We can do better, should do better and it's down to performances on the day, human beings; sometimes you hit the post and it goes out, sometimes it goes in, that can affect the mood, atmosphere. We've got to focus on getting the start right."

Solskjaer has never shied away from the fight to turn things around at Old Trafford, and he encouraged the United squad to enjoy the increased pressure on them and use that to improve their performances.

"We know the poor run of form puts ourselves under pressure but that pressure should be a joy, it should be something that makes us a better team and makes every player perform at their best level," he said.

"The players, the staff, myself and the club, we are all working towards one goal and that's for this team to improve and get better results.

"The fans are still supporting the team and the club. They've been through this period and backed this team through the rebuild. You know when you lose a game you're always disappointed and under pressure. We've communicated well and openly and honestly.

"There's one game now that matters but also there's what goes on after that. We're all refreshed, this week has been really good in training and we're ready for tomorrow.

"When we left for this international break, it was a good time for us to refresh their minds. Some players have stayed here, some have been allowed to go home to freshen up their minds. Everyone has kept in touch with the staff and one of the things we've learnt over the last few years, my staff have been working really hard to get everyone ready.

"We've corrected a few things, put some things right. I'm sure we'll see a reaction and a good performance tomorrow."