Alan Shearer
January 2026
Shearer argues Amorim’s refusal to move away from a back-three system contributed to failure, with Carrick’s immediate switch to a 4-2-3-1 framed as proof the squad fits a different setup. The criticism focuses on tactical rigidity and lack of adaptation, contrasting it with Carrick’s rapid results and more conventional structure.
Howard Webb
January 2026
Webb said officials were correct to book Dalot rather than send him off for a studs-up challenge on Doku that sparked debate. Webb argued the contact was brief and glancing and lacked the speed and intensity typical of serious-foul-play reds, warning that slow motion and freeze frames exaggerate force and distort real-time assessment that referees and VAR must prioritise.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
January 2026
Shearer said it would be “very strange” for United to reappoint Solskjaer after already sacking him, even as talks are reportedly planned about an interim role post-Amorim. He argued United’s issues are too deep for a recycled fix, suggested using a short-term caretaker like Fletcher or Carrick, then targeting a strong permanent manager in summer after the World Cup market settles.
Enzo Maresca
January 2026
Alan Shearer says Enzo Maresca will not struggle to land another high-level job despite leaving Chelsea after one win in seven. Shearer argues Maresca’s Chelsea spell should still be viewed as successful because of trophies and Champions League qualification. The view is that Maresca’s reputation remains strong from work at Chelsea and Leicester, even after the exit was linked to breakdowns with ownership and reports of outside discussions about future roles.
Alan Shearer
November 2025
Arsenal beat Burnley to go seven points clear, earning a ninth straight win and seventh straight clean sheet. Alan Shearer told BBC Sport he “can’t see a weakness,” praising set-piece threat and advanced use of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber to overload wide areas and sustain pressure. Arsenal’s structure limits transitions and concedes few shots. Declan Rice anchors possession and rest defense; Viktor Gyökeres adds direct runs and penalty-box presence. Rotation keeps intensity high. Title push hinges on maintaining defensive health and chance quality across winter congestion and Europe. Chelsea’s 2004/05 goals-against mark is a realistic target.
Jadon Sancho (Aston Villa)
October 2025
On his third Manchester United loan, Sancho has only 52 Premier League minutes for Aston Villa and was subbed off after a 45-minute cameo versus Manchester City. Alan Shearer warned he must change his attitude to turn the move into progress. Sancho joined on deadline day after an uneventful Chelsea spell and a summer in United’s “bomb squad.” Unai Emery says fitness management drove Sunday’s withdrawal. To earn starts, Sancho must hit pressing triggers, track full-backs, and show repeat sprints without the ball.