Alan Shearer makes bold Man Utd prediction as Michael Carrick sent instructions

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Alan Shearer believes Manchester United could qualify for the Champions League under Michael Carrick - but only if they keep up their current high standards. The former Red Devils midfielder took charge last week after being appointed by Ruben Amorim ’s successor until the end of the season.

Carrick enjoyed a dream start to life back at Old Trafford as United saw off local rivals Manchester City 2-0. That win left United fifth in the table and just one point behind Liverpool .

Speaking about Carrick’s impact so far, Shearer has been full of praise but has told Red Devils stars to not let their efforts drop once more. He told Betfair : “I was hugely impressed by Michael Carrick's Man United. It couldn't have gone any better.

“He'd been in the club three days and made little tweaks with the system and individuals. Penny for the thoughts of Ruben Amorim watching that performance. It was like someone flipped a switch; the energy and aggression were incredible.

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“That has to be the norm now. You need a little luck, getting Mbeumo and Amad back just in time, and Dalot not getting sent off, but the performance level was key.

“There's no doubt Bruno Fernandes is a talented player. Best in the world might be going a bit far, but as a '10', he's been brilliant for United. You wonder where they would have been without him.

“Carrick made big calls, leaving Cunha out, then bringing him on, bringing Maguire back in, and going to a back four. Everyone has been crying out for that. Bruno is a wonderful player.”

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United are back in action this weekend as they travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on league leaders Arsenal . Shearer has suggested that should they side show the same commitment, they can beat Mikel Arteta ’s men and secure a spot in the top four.

He added: “They've got Arsenal this weekend, which is a shift from City, but that shouldn't faze them. United have always had big results in big games, but they lacked the big performance. Last week was both.

“Whether they can go to Arsenal and win is a different matter, but if they show the same appetite, they’ll be fine. Even two draws against City and Arsenal would have been good, but now they've got three points in the bank.”

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