Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have warned Cesc Fabregas against becoming Manchester United manager amid reports Michael Carrick will be sacked.

Carrick was only appointed United boss on a permanent basis over the summer but his time at Old Trafford could already be at an end after a disastrous start to the season.

The Red Devils have won just one of their opening seven Premier League games and two in 11 across all competitions, a far cry from the impressive form they showed last season during Carrick’s interim spell.

Tensions are boiling over, with captain Bruno Fernandes launching a scathing attack on his manager following the humiliating 4-1 defeat to Fabregas’ Como side in the Champions League on Wednesday.

While Carrick will remain in the dugout for Sunday’s clash against Bournemouth, the club are looking at possible replacements including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Fabian Hurzeler.

Fabregas is another name linked with the job thanks to the great work he has done at Como, guiding the club from Serie B to the Champions League in less than three seasons.

‘Mentioning up and coming managers, Cesc Fabregas is the next one on the block,’ Premier League legend Shearer said on the Rest is Football.

‘I love his attitude, I love how calm he is, how balanced he is and the job he’s doing there is remarkable.

‘Look at the difference in terms of how much it cost to build those squads and the huge difference in performance from Como to Manchester United is incredible. You have to say well done to Cesc for that.’

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Comon are Fabregas’ first venture into management and the 39-year-old’s stock has risen further thanks to the big win over United, after which he revealed he had told his team to ease off in the closing phases.

Lineker suggests it is only a matter of time before the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder is headhunted by a European heavyweight – but urges Fabregas to reject an approach from United.

‘He’s going to have a big decision at some point because if he continues to have even moderate success with Como [a big club will come in for him],’ the England legend said.

‘It might be Man United. If he takes that job, he’d be mad! It’s a graveyard really.’

Shearer concurred, adding: ‘I know it’s a huge football club, but it’s not an attractive job at the minute, because of how many [managers] have been in there and how many have been sacked.

‘The only thing attractive about it is he might get a great pay-off in 12 or 18 months’ time.’