Gary Lineker has predicted Michael Carrick will do well as interim Manchester United manager, be given the permanent job, then be sacked by December because the club is 'bonkers'
Stephen Killen Senior Sports Content Creator
13:09, 16 Jan 2026Updated 13:20, 16 Jan 2026
View 4 Images
(Image: PA)
Gary Lineker has joked that Manchester United will name Michael Carrick as their manager, only to give him the boot by December. The former Match of the Day host labelled the club as "bonkers" in light of a tumultuous 18 months.
Ruben Amorim was given his marching orders by United last Monday after a fallout with the club's top brass. His tenure at Old Trafford concluded just hours after his tirade following their 1-1 stalemate with Leeds United.
Lineker anticipates that Carrick will shine during his temporary stint at the Theatre of Dreams, leading to his full-time appointment. However, he predicts that the ex-Middlesbrough boss will be shown the door next season.
Gary Lineker speaking on the Stick to Football podcast
View 4 Images
Gary Lineker has made a bold prediction on Man United inteirm head coach Michael Carrick(Image: YouTube/The Rest is Football podcast)
JOIN US ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, the 65-year-old said: "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."
Darren Fletcher has stepped aside for Michael Carrick to take over at Manchester United... for now
View 4 Images
Darren Fletcher has stepped aside for Michael Carrick to take over at Manchester United... for now(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
The pressure is piling up on the club's management due to struggles in reversing the downturn.
There have been missteps along the way, including the struggle to appoint Dan Ashworth in a pioneering role before he was replaced by Christopher Vivell.
Darren Fletcher took on the role of interim head coach for the matches against Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion. However, the former midfielder only managed a draw against the Clarets before being knocked out of the FA Cup by the Seagulls.
Supporters' group The 1958 has announced plans to protest against the Glazer family and minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe before the Fulham match on February 1.
Michael Carrick.
View 4 Images
Michael Carrick will take charge of his first match against Man City on Saturday.(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Carrick insisted that all is not lost in the Premier League season, with United currently sitting seventh in the table, just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
His first match back at the helm will be against Manchester City, as they aim to put a dent in their title hopes.
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.
Article continues below
"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."