Board back Solskjaer to revive injury-hit United

Manchester United remain committed to giving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer time to revive the club’s fortunes, despite their worst start to a season for 30 years.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, has insisted it will require time to rebuild the squad and did not expect that being achieved in a single summer.

United’s dismal 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday saw them slump to 12th, two points above the relegation zone. United, winless in five games, have failed to score in three of those matches.

However, United’s top brass recognise it will take several windows to get a squad in a position to compete for the biggest trophies.

There is also a feeling that a glut Struggling: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team are only two points above the relegation zone of injuries to key players have had a particularly damaging effect on a thin squad and that there will be improvement when they return.

Solskjaer hopes to have Aaron Wan-bissaka, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw back for Premier League leaders Liverpool’s visit a week on Sunday, while Paul Pogba has been working in Dubai as he steps up his rehabilitation from an ankle injury.

United also hope to get striker Marcus Rashford clear of the niggles that have hindered his movement and Jesse Lingard back fit after a hamstring injury. Marco Silva will remain in charge of Everton after the international break.

Pressure has grown on Silva, with Everton dropping into the Premier League’s bottom three following four successive defeats.

But it seems the 42-year-old will continue as manager for now, with the home league game against West Ham United a week on Saturday appearing crucial.

Silva has himself labelled the fixture a “must-win” after collecting just seven points in the opening eight league games.

He has met Everton’s majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, twice in the past few weeks and believes the club will give him a little more time to turn things around.