Shearer Unimpressed by United's Display Despite Carrick's Results, as INEOS Eye Summer Overhaul

Alan Shearer has cast a withering eye over Manchester United's performance in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Newcastle, expressing bewilderment at how poorly they played despite their recent upturn in results.

The former Newcastle striker pulled no punches when assessing the Red Devils' display at St James' Park, suggesting that Michael Carrick's interim reign bears uncomfortable similarities to the Ruben Amorim era that preceded it.

Carrick took over in January following Amorim's sacking and has since compiled an impressive record of six wins, one defeat, and one draw across his first eight matches. United now sit third in the Premier League table, with Champions League qualification appearing firmly within reach for next season.

Yet Shearer remains unconvinced by the underlying quality on show. "Man United's performance on Wednesday was a bit like what we saw from them under Ruben Amorim," he told Betfred. "Other than Bruno Fernandes, they were very flat. I thought there was nothing in the forward positions."

The Newcastle legend went on to acknowledge Aaron Ramsdale's contribution between the sticks, noting some crucial saves including one described as featuring "a great header," but maintained that Carrick's tactical adjustments failed to yield improvement. "I was pleasantly surprised by how bad Man Utd were," Shearer remarked. "I was expecting more from them."

Despite their lofty league position, Shearer remains sceptical about the club's true standing. "They are third and I genuinely don't think they're a good team. They have got a good chance of finishing in the Champions League places which is amazing when you think how poor some of their football has been this season."

The narrative surrounding Carrick's future has shifted markedly, however. While many observers viewed the interim boss as the natural choice for the permanent role, fresh reports suggest otherwise. Journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated that Roberto De Zerbi, Julian Nagelsmann, and Roberto Martinez are the names currently dominating discussions within the United hierarchy regarding the summer appointment.

The Newcastle defeat also prompted Paul Scholes to take aim at Carrick on Instagram, drawing rebuke from various quarters, including former teammate Patrice Evra.

Shearer found Scholes' criticism somewhat surprising given their shared history. "Paul Scholes said something along the lines of Manchester United being really poor in some games under Michael Carrick," Shearer explained. "They might have been poor but they've been getting the results."

He acknowledged that poor performances inevitably invite scrutiny, but suggested the public nature of Scholes' remarks was noteworthy. "When they're former team-mates, who fought together on the pitch, then it probably is a bit surprising," Shearer added. "But we know how the world works now and I don't suspect that would upset Michael much."