ROY HODGSON was last night still preparing to take charge of Liverpool’s FA Cup visit to Manchester United despite his job as the club’s manager hanging by the narrowest of threads.

Hodgson’s position at Anfield has become increasingly untenable with Wednesday’s dreadful 3-1 Premier League defeat at Blackburn Rovers the last straw in the eyes of many supporters.

The 63-year-old refused to answer questions on his future following the final whistle at Ewood Park before the press briefing was cut short.

And while Hodgson was at Melwood yesterday morning, his pre-match media conference for tomorrow’s trip to Old Trafford was cancelled less than two hours before it was scheduled to start after club officials chose to spare the manager the glare of the spotlight "due to ongoing media speculation about his position".

Hodgson instead was interviewed only by Liverpool’s website, who steered clear of asking any questions on his predicament.

Liverpool stand just four points off the relegation zone having lost five of their last eight Premier League games, and have registered only one top-flight away triumph this season.

That poor record has prompted the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, to start drawing up a list of possible replacements should they decide to call time on Hodgson’s tenure.

Discussions between principal owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner and other Anfield officials have already taken place concerning the manager’s role, particularly with the January transfer window now open.

Names such as Ralf Rangnick, Frank Rijkaard, Guus Hiddink, Andre Villas-Boas and Didier Deschamps are among an ever-lengthening list of potential replacements, with former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish – who is out of the country until next week – also suggested as a short-term alternative.

But with FSG having neither publicly backed nor criticised Hodgson since the furore following home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers 10 days ago, it appears the manager will be given at least a 48-hour stay of execution with Liverpool set for their blockbusting FA Cup third round tie at bitter rivals United.