Gary Neville has urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take a leaf out of Jose Mourinho's book after talking down Manchester United's Premier League title hopes.
Solskjaer claimed on the back of Saturday's 3-3 home draw with Everton that United "should not even be considered as title chasers".
The Red Devils, who led the way at the top of the table last month, are now five points behind pacesetters Manchester City and have played a game more.
Referencing comments made by ex-United boss Mourinho during his second spell in charge of Chelsea, Neville wants former teammate Solskjaer to be more optimistic.
"I think we can pick on these things. I think you'd want to be a little bit more on the positive edge," he said on the Gary Neville Podcast.
"I remember in his first year back at Chelsea, the second time round, [Mourinho] said 'we're not ready this year, but we will be next year'.
"I think that if you're going to say something like that - you're not quite ready this year, but watch us next year. This experience now and we are going to go close. I think that is maybe where Ole can start turning it a bit."
United take on West Bromwich Albion on February 14 in their next league match, but before then focus switches to Tuesday's FA Cup last-16 tie with West Ham United.
Daniel Lewis
