‘I think we know…’: Lineker issues ‘realistic’ verdict over Carrick’s Man Utd tenure after Chelsea victory

Gary Lineker believes Manchester United now look to be a shoo-in to qualify for next season’s Champions League after overturning Chelsea.The Reds’ 1-0 triumph on Saturday night marked their first win at Stamford Bridge in over six years and extended their lead over their sixth-placed opponents to a whopping 10 points.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYIt means United need only six points from their remaining five matches to secure their UCL qualification, leaving fans relieved that the task is on the verge of being done.Michael Carrick will quietly be pondering where his future liesIt also marked yet another victory for Michael Carrick, whose record as interim manager now stands at eight wins, two draws and two defeats.On paper, the biggest tests from now until the culmination of the campaign will come against Liverpool on May 3 at Old Trafford and against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex on the final day, the latter of which have proven to be a persistent bogey team for United in recent years.As we approach the very final matches of the term, speculation over Carrick’s future will intensify as INEOS prepare to make a concrete decision over who will occupy the hot seat in M16 beyond the summer.From the former midfielder’s perspective, he can only do all he can from now until the end of May to hope he puts himself in good standing and above alternative candidates in the owners’ estimations.What Lineker had to say about Carrick/UnitedReacting to the weekend’s affairs on The Rest Is Football this morning, Lineker spoke of United, telling Alan Shearer and Micah Richards: “Big win for them away at Chelsea. “I know Chelsea [had] one or two good chances in that game, and they’re on a bad run now, Chelsea. But I think he has done as well as he could realistically do, Michael Carrick.”Further, he added: “I think we know which teams are probably going to be in the Champions League now with Chelsea losing to Manchester United.“It’s looking good for United. Good win for [Aston] Villa. A couple of goals for Ollie Watkins as well at the right time. A crucial win, I think, as well for Liverpool.”