Everton skipper Phil Jagielka backing David Moyes to come good for Man Utd

PHIL JAGIELKA admits he feels sorry for Manchester United boss David Moyes.

UNDER PRESSURE: Phil Jagielka thinks David Moyes needs to be given more time at Man Utd

Moyes saw his side slip to ninth place when old club Everton inflicted United's fourth defeat of the season on Wednesday.

And as he looks to pull the champions out of their tail-spin, the Scot will also be without top strikers Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney for tomorrow's clash with Newcastle.

Van Persie is still struggling with a groin problem and Rooney is suspended.

After taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson, the £28m capture of Marouane Fellaini from former club Everton was Moyes' only signing in a summer of frustration in the transfer market

Moyes missed out on Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas, Ander Herrera, Leighton Baines and Fabio Coentrao.

But Everton skipper Jagielka, 31, is certain that his former boss will turn it around at Old Trafford.

And he believes Moyes' bosses should carry the can for his rough start as United boss.

Jagielka said: "I do feel sorry for him. The fixture list wasn't that kind initially. The transfers in the summer, the people who were making those decisions didn't help him out one bit.

"At Everton, where there isn't so much pressure, he could then grow into the season.

"You can't grow into the season at Manchester United. You need to come out firing on all cylinders when you look at how teams like Arsenal and Chelsea have started.

ROCK SOLID: Jagielka believes Moyes can bring stabiity to Utd's shaky backline

"He will roll his sleeves up and get the guys moving in the right direction and I am more than sure he will get United where they need to be.

"He just needs that little bit more time but sometimes, time seems a hard thing to get when you are at that top level.

"He has some good people around him and some great players in the squad. He just needs to add a few more players that he wants week in, week out.

"Once he gets that sorted and he gets more of his team, rather than a team he has been given, that is the acid test for him, once he gets the players in that he wants."

Moyes' replacement Roberto Martinez inspired Everton to a first win at Old Trafford since 1992 thanks to Bryan Oviedo's late strike.

They head to Arsenal on Sunday and Jagielka says the Blues - who are fifth after just one loss all season - now feel they can stand toe to toe with any of the big guns.

He added: "With the goals we've scored and the amount of chances we are creating we would be confident against anyone.

"The manager is ultrapositive, whether that is the formations we play "The manager is ultrapositive, whether that is the formations we play or the belief he has.

"It is a tough week when you get United and Arsenal away. One down and now we are looking forward to the game at the Emirates."