Solskjaer was expected to overhaul his squad dramatically this summer after a dreadful end to last season that saw them win just one of their final nine games in all competitions.
However, winger Daniel James and right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, both 21, remain their only new acquisitions in a window that has seen them linked with a host of Europe’s biggest names.
“I’m very happy with the two players we’ve brought in, but now we’ve got to be patient,” Solskjaer said.
“This is a long haul and it is very important we get the right ones in.
“We can’t just jump onto a different path if we hit a hurdle. My feelings are that I am not frustrated at all.
“I believe in these players. I’m sure we could do well but it’s both short-term and long-term.”
Express Sport understands United are still in discussions with Leicester over a deal for Harry Maguire as Solskjaer looks to strengthen the centre of his defence.
An offer of around £60m was submitted by the Red Devils recently but Leicester are holding out for closer to £90m that would make Maguire, 26, the world’s most expensive defender.
They are also said to be looking for a new central midfielder following Ander Herrera’s exit at the end of June.
Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes, 24, is their reported top target but United are once again yet to meet the selling club’s valuation.
Reports emerging earlier this week claim they need to up their initial offer of £55m to £62m if they are to convince the Portuguese club to sell.
Despite failing to land their top targets, United have enjoyed a decent start to pre-season with wins over Perth Glory, Leeds United and Inter Milan.
And Solskjaer is encouraged by what he has seen from his current crop of players.
“We’re working on something we’ve identified that could improve us, but we’ve played well, performed well, had some good results so far,” he added.
“But it’s not about winning games in pre-season.
“It’s about finding a way we want to play to get to the starting line and the team to be gelling.”
