Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims the league table is not his “biggest concern” - despite Manchester United making their worst start for 31 years.
United’s tally of 18 points from 14 games is their lowest since the 1988-89 campaign and they are ninth.
But Solskjaer insists his young side are close to winning more games.
“I wouldn’t have sat here and talked about us being fifth if we had got that one goal extra,” said the United boss after his side were held 2-2 by Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“So the league table at this point is not the biggest concern because it is so tight.
“We just need to make sure we get performances and get three or four performances after each other - and results.
“I think there is loads of evidence these boys are closer to winning games than losing games. Of course we have to tip those margins in our advantage.”
Solskjaer is more bothered about United’s inability to hold onto a lead, with Villa having equalised two minutes after the Red Devils went in front through Victor Lindelof's goal.
“We have had the lead in so many games and haven’t been able to win them,” said Solskjaer. “Six or seven times, we have been 1-0 up, 2-1 or 3-2 like last week.
“We should be better and seeing those games into wins.
“We are a young side, probably the youngest in the league, so experience is a factor, but it is not an excuse because at Manchester United, we expect to win games.”
Sunday's draw left United ninth in the Premier League, eight points adrift of the top four with a couple of tough-looking fixtures coming up.
United face a reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho when they host Tottenham on Wednesday - followed by a trip to Manchester City on Saturday.
