Gary Neville has suggested that the evolution of the current Manchester United squad is more important than their position in the Premier League table.

After a disappointing end to last season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has guided United to eight points from five games during this campaign having brought in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Daniel James.

While the Norwegian failed to sign a new midfielder or striker, Neville has indicated that he was satisfied with United's approach in the summer window given that 'panic buys' were not made before deadline day.

The club legend told Sky Sports News: "There's a sense that they gone backwards and only invested £60m to £70m net. From that point of view, there's a feeling that they should have bought another centre forward and another central midfielder because the midfield is weak.

"I applaud what Manchester United have done this summer in a way because they have made big mistakes. I have been critical of them in the transfer window, paying over the top for ageing players, they've reacted to other teams looking like their signing players and panic bought. They've got to stop that, so there has to be a plan and a strategy - there hasn't been for the last seven years at the club.

"What it looks like now is that they've gone back to a strategy of signing emerging British players, bringing academy players through and identifying international talent. At this moment in time, United's average age has come down to 24, there are eight academy players in the squad, but there's a sense among some Manchester United fans that expectations are being lowered and that this is not good enough.

"I actually think United have taken a step backwards but a step in the right direction to go forwards because enough is enough of all these 30-year-old players coming in, not suiting the style. They've got to stop that because it's not worked for the club."

While United sit in fourth position in the Premier League standings, they are already seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool.