Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United would be naive to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, despite taking just nine points from their first eight games.

It is the worst start to a season in 30 years at Old Trafford, but the former defender does not think Solskjaer should pay with his job.

They sit 12th in the Premier League just two points above the relegation zone with only two wins to their name.

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United would be 'naive' to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

United have suffered worst start to a season in 30 years with nine points from eight games

But Ferdinand wants to see his former team-mate given time to turn things around at the club.

'There's no way the club would have thought this would be rosy straight away, they're not naive enough to think that it was going to be a situation where he just changes it overnight,' he told talkSPORT.

'This is definitely something where there is going to be early pain, there is going to be a situation where the results are not going to go our way, especially with the new recruitment that they've started to go with younger players.

'That's why I don't see there being a change straight away, I'd be very surprised if I wake up, open a paper or an app and see that he has gone so quickly.'

Ferdinand played alongside Solskjaer during more successful times at Old Trafford

Yessss Ole is officially at The Wheel... Signed, Sealed, Delivered! Manager of @ManUtd! 🙌🏽 I hope my Thank You is in post Ole 🤣📝❤️ #MUFC #Ole pic.twitter.com/lUUel4f6zw — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) March 28, 2019

Ferdinand infamously gave an impassioned speech on BT Sport urging United to award Solskjaer the manager's job on permanent terms after they knocked Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League in March.

'United might not thank me, but get the contract out, put it on the table, let him sign it, let him write whatever numbers he wants to put on there - given what he's done since he's come in - and let him sign the contract and go,' he said.

'Ole's at the wheel, man -- he's doing his thing. Man United are back!'

United return to action after the international break when they host runaway leaders Liverpool on October 20.