Former Manchester United academy striker Josh King has backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to guide the struggling giants back to the top.

The Bournemouth striker played under Solskjaer when he was manager of United's U23 side, but couldn't nail down a place in the first-team squad - despite appearing in the Champions League against Galatasaray in 2012.

King scored the winner against his former club earlier this month when Bournemouth edged United 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium. It was one of the lowest points of the season so far for Solskjaer's side, exemplifying the huge task he faces.

Josh King has backed his former Manchester United U23 boss Ole Gunnaer Solskjaer

King featured just twice for United's first-team after playing in the academy under Solskjaer

King scored the winner as Bournemouth sunk his former side United 1-0 at home this month

However, King believes his countryman has what it takes after experiencing his management first-hand.

'He was good, but it was the start of his managerial career,' he told FourFourTwo. 'He was brilliant with me, and helped me.

'I know him as a person and a manager and have loads of respect for him.

The striker believes his former boss has what it takes to bring United back to the top

'When he took over United I was very happy for him and his family because I know how much that meant for him as a person - it's always been his dream.

'I hope and believe he'll get United back to where they were, but obviously they need time.'

United already lie 20 points from league leaders Liverpool, and are only a point ahead of King's Bournemouth after 13 games.