'We're ready for it' - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer relishing table-topping Manchester United's trip to Liverpool on Sunday

United head Premier League for the first time in three years before clash with defending champions

Manchester United's Paul Pogba celebrates scoring the winning goal against Burnley, which took his side to the top of the Premier League. Reuters

Manchester United's Paul Pogba of France reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Burnley and Manchester United in Burnley, England, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Manchester won the match 1-0 with a goal by Pogba (Peter Powell/Pool via AP)

Manchester United' goalkeeper David de Gea celebrates Pogba's goal. AP

Manchester United's Edinson Cavani fights for the ball with Burnley's Robbie Brady. AP

Pogba, right, dances as he celebrates scoring. AP

Pogba, right, celebrates. AP

Burnley's Ashley Barnes in action with Manchester United's Harry Maguire. Reuters

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the final whistle. EPA

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford leaves the pitch after the final whistle. AFP

Burnley manager Sean Dyche at the end of the game. AFP

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United's visit to defending champions Liverpool on Sunday could not have come at a better time after moving top of the Premier League for the first time in three years.

Paul Pogba's deflected strike earned United a hard-fought 1-0 win at Burnley to move three points of clear of Liverpool, who have failed to win in their last three league games.

"It's a brilliant position to be in," said Solskjaer, whose future as manager had been under threat just a few months ago after a slow start to the season and group stage exit from the Champions League.

"We know we are going to the champions, they've had an unbelievable three-and-a-half seasons, we know that's going to be a difficult game, but we're ready for it.

"We couldn't be going there at a better time to play them because we are in good shape, good form, hungry, these boys want to get better and that's a test again."

In recent weeks Pogba has become an increasingly important influence in United's first serious title challenge since Alex Ferguson's retirement as manager in 2013.

The French World Cup winner dominated midfield in the second-half at Turf Moor and fittingly got the winner when his strike from the edge of the box took a deflection off Matt Lowton to wrong-foot Nick Pope.

Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has spoken openly about wanting to move his client on at the end of the season, but Solskjaer insisted the 27-year-old is a major part of his plans.

"I've always said Paul is a big, big player for us," added Solskjaer. "He is a good character in the dressing room, he is always one the lads look to (because) he's a world champion.

"We are seeing the best of Paul at the moment. He's getting better and better every game."