Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick is set to take charge of his first game against Manchester City, while Gary Lineker has teased what the new boss' future might look like
Michael Carrick.
Gary Lineker believes Michael Carrick will be sacked by the end of 2026, describing Man United as a "bonkers" club.(Image: PA)
View 2 Images
Gary Lineker has cheekily predicted that Manchester United will appoint Michael Carrick as manager and sack him by December. The former Match of the Day presenter described the club as "bonkers" following a turbulent 18 months.
Ruben Amorim was sacked by United last Monday following a breakdown in the relationship with the club's hierarchy. His time at Old Trafford came to an end hours after his outburst following their 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
Lineker has predicted that Carrick will excel during his interim period at the Theatre of Dreams, leading to the club appointing him on a permanent basis, but expects the former Middlesbrough manager to be dismissed next season.
Speaking about their pre-season predictions on the Rest is Football podcast, the 65-year-old said to Alan Shearer and Micah Richards: "Manchester United, here we go, I said mid-table to get into any European competition would be a bonus. I'll stick with that, thank you.
"They're in that pack where they could lose a couple and drop, they've got a new man in charge, it's Michael Carrick until the end of the season, they already had one interim for two games in Darren Fletcher.
"My prediction is that Michael Carrick will do pretty well for the remainder of the season, they'll give him the job and he'll be fired by about November (or) December because that club is just bonkers at the minute."
Pressure is mounting on the club's hierarchy after difficulties in heeding the slump.
There have been mistakes along the way with the battle to appoint Dan Ashworth in an inaugural role before he was replaced by Christopher Vivell.
Darren Fletcher was installed as the interim head coach for the matches against Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion but the former midfielder only managed a draw against the Clarets before exiting the FA Cup at the hands of the Seagulls.
Supporters' group The 1958 have confirmed plans to protest before the Fulham match at the beginning of February against the Glazer family and minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Carrick reaffirmed that all was not lost in the Premier League season with United sitting seventh in the table, three points off Liverpool in fourth.
Gary Lineker.
Gary Lineker's prediction for Michael Carrick was a little tongue-in-cheek(Image: Getty Images for Premier League)
View 2 Images
His first game back in charge will be against Manchester City as they look to dent their title aspirations.
He said: “I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.
“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.
“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”