Ole Gunnar Solskjær has told his Manchester United players they require a “reality check” following disappointing form and results.

Since Solskjær was given the manager’s job on a permanent basis United have lost three times and won twice and, overall, suffered defeat in five of the past seven matches. On Tuesday they were knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona, losing 4-0 on aggregate.

In the Premier League United are sixth, three points behind Arsenal in the final Champions League place with five matches remaining. A top-four finish is out of their hands.

“I’ve learned a lot about them [the players] over the months I’ve been here,” said Solskjær, who takes United to Everton for Sunday’s early game. “You get to know them. Most of them have really impressed me in their attitude and there are some that need to get a reality check on where they’re at.

“When you’re out there, there is no hiding place and everyone can see where your levels are at. We’re also working on training with a fantastic staff. I’ve got to create this culture that we want.

“You’ve got players to take ownership of what’s happening here as well. But of course it’s the performances on the pitch which will determine where they are in their careers. But most of them know they can improve if they keep working as they do.”

Of Anthony Martial, who has scored only four times in 16 appearances under Solskjær, the manager said: “I’ve spoken to individuals and they know, and Anthony’s one of them. I’ve spoken to all of them individually what we expect from them.

“Anthony’s got a massive talent, he’s signed a new contract, he knows we believe in him, so just keep on working. I think anyone who plays for Manchester United has to deliver to stay in the squad and stay in the team.”

Solskjær hopes to use the summer transfer window to start an overhaul but warned of the need for patience. “We know we have to be realistic and we know we have a job to be done,” he said. “There’s no quick fix – it’s not like we buy seven players and suddenly we’re in the right shape. We are where we are. We have to take it step by step and of course there will be signings made in the summer.”

Luke Shaw is unavailable for the trip to Goodison Park while he serves the second part of a two-match suspension but Solskjaer was upbeat regarding the players coming back. “We’ll have 20 training this morning [Friday], plus the keepers, which is not bad,” he said. “Nemanja Matic and Alexis Sánchez had a good session yesterday as well, so they will probably be involved. The squad is looking good and getting better and better – Ander Herrera is back in training – he’s been working really hard. Eric will be back in training over the weekend, Antonio Valencia we’re not sure about yet.”