Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is under pressure after their defeat against Como in the Champions League this week. Both Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer are in agreement about his future at the club.

GIVEMESPORT sources have confirmed that there is pressure on Carrick at the moment after disappointing starts this season, particularly after they were defeated 4-1 in the Champions League this week.

It's understood that United are well prepared in case they do have to make a change, with managers being sounded out ahead of a possible sacking of Carrick.

At the moment, though, Carrick is expected to be in charge against Bournemouth. It's been described as business as usual at Old Trafford.

It's not just the Champions League where United have struggled, as they sit in 13th position in the Premier League table.

With a lot of talk about Carrick's future, former players Lineker and Shearer have been discussing the possibility of him being sacked and whether he's to blame for their struggles.

"I hope he stays in the job," said Lineker.

"Me too, yeah," added Shearer in agreement.

Going into more detail, Lineker suggested that Carrick isn't the problem, and the issues are from above the United manager.

"At some point, the club has got to recognise that it might not just be down to the coach. I know a lot of Man Utd fans now will probably turn against Michael Carrick. I hope not. Maybe some have already turned against him and don't think he's quite got what it takes. I understand those things, but he ain't the problem at Manchester United. The problems are above."

There's no doubt there are problems at United that are bigger than Carrick, but on the other hand, he does need to improve the side as well.

Both things can be true at once. The board needs to do better at bringing in new additions, and Carrick needs to get more of a tune out of the current crop of players.

Michael Carrick Man Utd timeline

• January 13, 2026 - Carrick named interim Manchester United manager after sacking of Ruben Amorim
• January 17, 2026 - Carrick oversees win over rivals Manchester City in first game in charge
• May 22, 2026 - Carrick named permanent Manchester United manager
• August 22, 2026 - United lose against new boys Hull City on the opening day of the 2026/27 Premier League season
• October 21, 2026 - United beaten by Como 4-1 in the Champions League - their seventh game without a win in all competitions

Carrick likely to be the fall guy

At the end of the day, even if Carrick isn't solely to blame, he is the one who's going to take the criticism and be punished if results don't improve.

What we're seeing on the pitch from United at the moment simply isn't good enough, and things undoubtedly need to improve if he wants to remain in the job.

Although Carrick got a tune out of United last season, there is the caveat that they were without European football and cup competitions.

Now the Red Devils are having to deal with playing twice a week, things are going downhill.

It's never a good sign when United are considering alternative managers, so Carrick needs to turn things around quickly.