‘They are really close to being a really good team’: Alan Shearer heaps praise on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s work at Manchester United and insists he’s not just lifted the mood

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Alan Shearer has praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his work at Manchester United and insisted that the caretaker boss has done much more than simply lift the mood at the club. 

United beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Monday night to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, with Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba on the scoresheet. 

Despite the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last week in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, United have made fine progress under Solskjaer, winning 11 of their 13 games since the Norwegian took temporary charge. 

Alan Shearer believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done more than lift the mood at Man United

Shearer was full of praise for Solskjaer following United's victory over Chelsea

The former England striker was speaking on BBC Sport after the game at Stamford Bridge

Solskjaer, who is known for his upbeat demeanour, has certainly improved the mood at United, with many players having been hugely frustrated under previous manager Jose Mourinho.

Newcastle legend Shearer, however, believes that Solskjaer also deserves credit for his tactics and United's style of play under him.

Speaking on BBC Sport, Shearer said: ‘It’s too simplistic to say that he’s just got them smiling again because there’s a lot more work that goes into it than that. They are actually really close to being a really good team. I think they are two or three players away from competing right at the top.’

Ander Herrera scored against Chelsea as he continued his excellent form under Solskjaer

Neville believes that placing faith in Herrera has been hugely beneficial for Solskjaer

Meanwhile, former United defender Phil Neville feels that Solskjaer's decision to put his faith in Herrera has been a masterstroke.

The 29-year-old got on the scoresheet against Chelsea and has been a regular under Solskjaer having previously found game time harder to come by under Mourinho.  

Neville told BBC Sport: ‘They are attacking again and are playing the kind of football the club demands. You didn’t see that under Jose Mourinho.

‘I think Herrera is a leader in that dressing room, Mourinho didn’t use him that much but I thought he was the best player tonight.’ 

Solskjaer is determined to finish the season strongly with United as he seeks to earn the manager's job on a permanent basis.

In addition to being in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, United are also currently in the top four in the Premier League.

However, they trail 2-0 to Paris Saint-Germain going into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.