Michael Carrick has won back-to-back matches as Manchester United interim boss but has been told his next big test lies ahead
Matty Hewitt Football Writer
21:19, 26 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick has impressed during his first few weeks as Manchester United interim head coach.(Image: )
Gary Lineker reckons Michael Carrick’s genuine challenge at Manchester United will come when facing sides that sit deep defensively rather than leaving themselves exposed on the break. Ruben Amorim found it difficult to secure victories against so-called ‘weaker’ teams, with frustrating stalemates against relegation-threatened Wolves and Leeds United before his exit from Old Trafford.
Since stepping into the interim head coach position, Carrick has radically transformed United into a far more potent outfit. They’ve secured consecutive victories over Man City and Arsenal in recent weeks and appear to be a totally different proposition following the tactical shift.
Carrick has earned praise from pundits, including Gary Neville, for turning United around so rapidly, with Lineker jokingly suggesting the former Middlesbrough manager should pen a longer-term deal.
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On the latest episode of The Rest Is Football, Lineker commented: “It’s funny football, isn’t it? Because suddenly you go back to a system that perhaps suits some of the players.
“You bring back bit of experience in Harry Maguire, you bring back one of the star players in Kobbie Mainoo, and play him in there.
“You push Bruno [Fernandes] a little bit further forward where he’s a little bit more comfortable and can bring out his brilliance more.
“You get Amad playing as a winger and not as a wing-back. And all of a sudden, it;s very strange, but things start to happen for you.”
Gary Lineker has outlined Michael Carrick’s next big test at Manchester United.(Image: The Rest Is Football (screengrab))
Shortly afterwards, Lineker joked: “Carrick’s at the wheel, sign the contract.”
Fellow pundit Alan Shearer said: “I think that it’s too early to say after two games, [he’s been] absolutely very, very promising.
“[Carrick has] made an unbelievable start, maybe even surprised himself. I don’t know, but I think ask me that in two months time.”
Lineker added: “It will be interesting to see how they do against teams that sit and play a low block.
“We’ve seen in recent seasons that Man United’s best days have often been against the bigger clubs that go for them, so that’s probably the next test for Michael Carrick, how does he break down teams and not be vulnerable on the counter attack themselves?”.
United return to Premier League action on Sunday, 1st February, when they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford, aiming to secure three consecutive victories for the second time this campaign.