Neville defends Man Utd, Solksjaer after Saints draw

Joe Williams
Daniel James Mason Greenwood Manchester United

Manchester United are “on the right track” this season despite only managing a draw on the road at ten-man Southampton, according to Gary Neville.

United have an outstanding record at St Mary’s and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men looked on course for a first away win since their jaw-dropping Champions League triumph at Paris Saint-Germain.

But the visitors were unable to build on Daniel James’ beautiful early strike and Jan Vestergaard levelled after the break, with Saints holding on for a draw despite Kevin Danso’s sending-off leaving them under the cosh.

The result means the Red Devils have five points from their opening four fixtures and are already seven points off Liverpool, who occupy the summit of the Premier League – but Neville thinks Solskjaer needs time.

“(Man United) just don’t have that clinical element to see (the game) off,” Neville told The Gary Neville Podcast.

“I think Man United are on the right track… The first thing Man United have to do is have a group of people in the dressing room who want to be there.

“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is trying to play the long game. He needs support from up-above. He needs really strong leadership over two to three seasons to be able to have the four or five transfer windows he needs.”