Manchester United's players and staff were reportedly surprised at being given a full week off by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following Saturday's defeat to Manchester City.

The Red Devils were outclassed by their neighbours in a chastening 2-0 home defeat, coming two weeks on from losing 5-0 to bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.

United have won just seven of their 16 matches in all competitions this term, heaping pressure on manager Solskjaer heading into the final international break of the year.

Despite the club's disappointing start to the season, the Daily Mail claims that Solskjaer decided to give those not away on international duty an extended break.

The move is said to have come as a surprise, with Solskjaer opting to fly back to Norway on Monday to spend time with his family in his homeland.

A separate reports suggests that United have no immediate plans to sack their under-fire manager ahead of facing Watford on November 20.