The Premier League’s all-time top scorer explains why a lack of European football could be the secret weapon for Michael Carrick’s side.
The Carrick Momentum: Five Games, Zero Defeats
Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick has been nothing short of remarkable. With four wins and a draw in his first five matches including statement victories over Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham the Red Devils have surged to fifth in the Premier League.
As they prepare for Monday’s trip to Everton, United know that a win would leapfrog them over Chelsea and into the coveted fourth spot. However, according to Alan Shearer, it isn’t just “energy and attitude” that will decide their fate.
No Distractions: The Edge Over Villa and Chelsea
While United’s rivals are currently navigating the knockout stages of European competitions, Carrick’s men have a clear calendar. Shearer believes this “lack of distractions” is United’s biggest asset in the final stretch of the season.
“They’ve got no cup competitions, they’ve just got to concentrate on league football,” Shearer told Betfair. “That might give them a slight advantage over the likes of Aston Villa, who are still playing in the Europa League.”
The demand of mid-week travel and high-stakes European fixtures often leads to domestic slips. With Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, and Chelsea all still active in the Champions League Round of 16, United’s ability to focus 100% on the Premier League could be the tie-breaker.
Can the Unbeaten Run Last?
Despite the positive trajectory, Shearer offered a reality check for the Old Trafford faithful. While he acknowledges the “big improvement” since Ruben Amorim’s departure, he doesn’t expect the unbeaten streak to last forever.
“I’d be surprised if they went the rest of the season unbeaten. That’s a big ask for anyone,” Shearer admitted. “But the main thing is there has been a massive difference in performance. The disappointment of only drawing against West Ham shows just how far they’ve come.”
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
