League draws with promoted sides Sheffield United and Aston Villa left United in the midst of their worst start to a top-flight campaign in 31 years.

The pressure on Solskjaer could mount on Wednesday when they face Tottenham Hotspur with Mourinho at the helm.

The Portuguese is a beneficiary of the sacking season.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, Arsenal's Unai Emery and Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores have all been shown the exit door in the past fortnight.

However, these are managerial changes that Solskjaer says have not alarmed him.

"No, it doesn't make me more concerned," he said, having rejected a report that he told his players he would be axed if they lost to Tottenham and then Manchester City this weekend.

"At least I know the sources everyone is talking about aren't sources, they are just made up, blatant lies," he said.

"I'm just focusing on my job and that's doing as well as I can and look forward to the next game, but also look long-term, plan things with the board."

United are ninth in the Premier League on 18 points after 14 games, but there have been no "knee-jerk" conversations with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward or the owners.

Pushed on the lack of patience in modern football, Solskjaer said: "I'm not going to tell anyone how to run their clubs but I think everyone knows continuity is one of the keys of success.

"For me, with Man United, we have a plan in place and hopefully we can get the results to speed it up.

"Sometimes it doesn't go at the speed you want to but it's still going in the right direction."

Mourinho was sacked last December with United sixth after collecting 26 points from 17 matches, having won the Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield before things fell apart towards the end of his tenure.

"Very good reception," Solskjaer said of the expected Old Trafford welcome for his predecessor.

" I'm 100 per cent sure our fans will welcome him, and the staff and the club, everyone."

Australian Associated Press