Solskjaer spoke to captain Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic in a 10 am meeting at Carrington, according to Sports Mail.

The 48-year-old wanted to discuss how United can turn the season around, and the tactical plan after switching to a back three in the last three games.

Solskjaer is desperate to get his team back on track at Watford on Saturday after a run of six defeats in 12 games including humiliations at the hands of Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Old Trafford hierarchy has resisted calls to sack Solskjaer, but might be forced to make serious decisions if he doesn’t turn things around going into a key period that will decide United’s European fate and includes league fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal.

Another defeat at Vicarage Road on Saturday or in Tuesday’s Champions League group tie at Villarreal would pile more pressure on the under-fire boss.

After weeks of negotiations, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reached an agreement with the Portuguese super club, a move that will surely entice disillusioned fans.

Sporting Lisbon will receive €55m (£46.56m) initially then will receive a further €10m (£8.46m) from United if Fernandes reaches what are considered easily achievable targets and an additional €15m (£12.7m) if more difficult targets are met. It is understood these clauses include Fernandes winning the Ballon d’Or.

Manchester United confirming the deal on it’s website on Wednesday evening, wrote ‘Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Sporting Clube de Portugal for the transfer of Bruno Fernandes. The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.’