Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is confident that the club will overcome their blip in the Premier League to regain their place at the top.

David Moyes, who replaced Sir Alex Ferguson as manager in the summer, has guided his side to 11 points from eight fixtures, leading some to question whether the Red Devils can retain the Premier League title.

"It has not been the greatest of starts in the Premier League and every player can stand up and admit that is true," Smalling told the Manchester Evening News.

"We know as players we have to improve. United will always be at the top and it is only a matter of time before we are."

For now, United have put their league commitments on the back-burner to focus on their Champions League clash against Real Sociedad on Wednesday.