Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea captain Cesc Fabregas reacts to Manchester United rumors

Cesc Fabregas has said it would be “disrespectful” to Michael Carrick to comment on the speculation linking him with the Manchester United job. Carrick made a strong impression after returning to Old Trafford last season, helping his former club finish third in the Premier League and secure Champions League qualification. However, Manchester United have made a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign, winning only two of their ten matches in all competitions.

Despite that, the club’s hierarchy is understood to be willing to give Carrick more time to improve results. Even so, a number of managers have already been mentioned as possible replacements, including Fabregas, the former Arsenal and Chelsea captain. Ahead of Como’s Champions League meeting with Manchester United, Fabregas was asked about those rumors.

He replied: “As I’m sure you can understand, I won’t answer that question because I think that’s not a very nice question. “I don’t think that shows enough respect to a great footballer and manager like Michael Carrick at the helm of a wonderful Manchester United side.” Fabregas also rejected the idea that United are in crisis, saying: “I don’t think there’s a crisis in football. I’ve never experienced one.

Every three days there’s a game to fight for and win. “It’s 11 against 11, they have to do their best. We are professionals, we’ve wanted to compete since we were all born.

I don’t believe in crisis.” While Manchester United have struggled, Como have enjoyed a bright start to the season, losing just once in their opening seven Serie A games. “This match means a lot to us as a club,” Fabregas said. “I arrived here four years ago as a player, and if you look at what I saw when I arrived then and what it is now, it’s a completely different story.

“We have to stay humble, though. There’s still a lot to learn. United is a historic club, one I know very well.

“We’ll compete on the pitch and see how it goes, but we respect who they are and what they do because they have incredible players.” Como and Manchester United are currently 12th and 13th in the Champions League standings respectively, with both teams on three points heading into their third league-phase match.