Football pundit and former England captain Alan Shearer has launched a stinging critique of Manchester United, branding the club 'not a happy place' and questioning their chaotic approach to appointing a new manager.
Shearer's Scathing Verdict on United's 'Issues'
The criticism follows United's FA Cup elimination at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend of the 12th of January 2026. Speaking on the 'Rest is Football' podcast, Shearer did not hold back in his assessment of the club's current state, pointing to the very public nature of their search for an interim boss as a key symptom of deeper problems.
'How does everyone know what's going on?' Shearer questioned. 'How does everyone know they've been spoken to and that's their plan? That in itself tells me there are issues. How's that getting out?'
Chaotic Search for Interim Boss
United's managerial situation became unstable following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Former player Darren Fletcher was placed in temporary charge but failed to secure a win in matches against Burnley and Brighton.
In response, the club's hierarchy have held talks with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ex-player and coach Michael Carrick about taking the role until the end of the season. Carrick, who last managed Middlesbrough, is understood to be the leading candidate.
Shearer also expressed scepticism over the team's sudden tactical shift, asking: 'It turns out it wasn't five at the back that was the problem then?' He bluntly concluded that the team 'are just not very good' and highlighted a culture of errors throughout the club.
Fletcher's Disappointment and Player Responsibility
Speaking after the Brighton defeat, caretaker manager Darren Fletcher acknowledged his disappointment but saw some positives. 'It's a massive responsibility to lead this club, and I've given it my best,' he said. 'I feel like there were some good things in there, we created a lot of chances... but, ultimately, it wasn't enough.'
Fletcher emphasised that the players need support from the club but must also help themselves. 'We need to help them, the club need to help them, and they're going to need to help themselves,' he stated, underlining the collective responsibility required to navigate this difficult period at Old Trafford.
The very public managerial search and continued on-pitch struggles have painted a picture of a club in turmoil, a view strongly endorsed by Shearer's damning analysis in the wake of their cup exit.
