Saturday 16 January 2016 18:34, UK
Paul Merson believes a defeat for Manchester United at Liverpool in the Super Sunday clash could see Louis van Gaal lose his job.
United are five points behind Tottenham in fourth heading into Sunday's encounter, after Spurs came from behind to soundly beat Sunderland 4-1 at White Hart Lane.
The omens are in United's favour - Brendan Rodgers led his title-challenging Liverpool side to home and away wins over United in 2013/14 - but they are Liverpool's only two victories in this fixture in the past eight league meetings.
Asked if he thought defeat to Liverpool would render Van Gaal's position untenable, Merson said: "Yes. In my opinion, definitely.
"Considering how big this match is and what could happen to the league table after Saturday's results, I just don't see how he could get away with defeat. It could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
"I think the board have to listen to the fans but I think they'd be thinking, 'It's not the Liverpool of old, the Liverpool of three or even two years ago when they had Luis Suarez'.
"I don't like to see anyone get sacked but I'd be shocked if United lost and he was still in a job."
In contrast, asked if he thought Sunday's clash could be the game that decided the Dutchman's future, Phil Thompson said:
"I don't think so, unless it was a humiliating defeat," Thommo added. "The way this season's going, who knows? But I think he'll still be there."
