Cesc Fabregas said it would be ‘disrespectful’ to Michael Carrick to comment on speculation linking him with the Manchester United job.

Carrick impressed upon his return to Old Trafford last season, guiding his former club to a third-place finish in the Premier League and qualifying for the Champions League.

But Manchester United have endured a poor start to the 2026/27 season, winning just two of their ten games in all competitions.

While Old Trafford bosses are ready to give Carrick more time to turn things around, several managers have already been linked with replacing the former England midfielder, including ex-Arsenal and Chelsea captain Fabregas.

Asked about those links ahead of Como’s Champions League clash against Manchester United, Fabregas said: ‘As I’m sure you can understand, I won’t answer that question because I think that’s not a very nice question.

‘I don’t think that shows enough respect to a great footballer and manager like Michael Carrick at the helm of a wonderful Manchester United side.’

Fabregas also dismissed the Premier League giants were in ‘crisis’, adding: ‘I don’t think there’s a crisis in football. I’ve never experienced one. Every three days there’s a game to fight for and win.

‘It’s 11 against 11, they have to do their best. We are professionals, we’ve wanted to compete since we were all born. I don’t believe in crisis.’

While Manchester United are struggling, Como have enjoyed a promising start to the season, losing just one of their first seven Serie A games.

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‘This match means a lot to us as a club,’ Fabregas said. ‘I arrived here four years ago as a player, and if you look at what I saw when I arrived then and what he is now, it’s a whole different story.

‘We have to be humble, though. There’s a lot to learn. United is a historic club, one I know very well.

‘We’ll compete on the pitch, we’ll see how it goes, but we respect who they are and what they do because they’re incredible players.’

Como and Manchester United are 12th and 13th respectively in the Champions League, both on three points ahead of their third league phase fixture.