Gary Lineker has predicted that Michael Carrick will be appointed Manchester United manager on a permanent basis but sacked by December 2026, describing the club as 'bonkers'. The former Match of the Day presenter made the forecast on The Rest is Football podcast, suggesting Carrick would excel as interim before facing a swift dismissal.
United sacked Ruben Amorim last Monday after a breakdown in his relationship with the hierarchy, hours after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United. Darren Fletcher then served as interim for two matches, overseeing a draw with Burnley and an FA Cup exit to Brighton & Hove Albion, before Carrick took charge.
'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,' Lineker said. United currently sit seventh in the Premier League, three points off fourth place.
Carrick, whose first game back is against Manchester City, said: 'I know what it takes to succeed here... There is still a lot to fight for this season.' Meanwhile, supporters' group The 1958 has announced plans to protest before the Fulham match against the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
