“So he's obviously doing something right with his coaching staff. “Usually that tells you that if he keeps that going then one of the bigger teams eventually is going to come calling and ask him to see if he can do it at [what I’d say is] the next level, with a real, real big team.”

A return to Arsenal is off the table for now, with the title-winning Arteta recently signing a contract extension. Aside from that, though, the sky looks to be the limit for a manager who has Como thriving at home and on the continent.

“You could list a whole host of top clubs, if a manager gets the sack,” Winterburn said. “And if they're looking at Cesc then… would he find it really difficult?

“It depends on when it is in the season but would he find it really difficult to turn that down and think that 'if I turn this down, will the opportunity come again?' So I think it's all about timing, where he sees himself going.

“There's no doubt he was a brilliant player. I'm sure his aspirations are to manage at the very, very top with the best team that he can, but at this moment in time it's Como and he's doing a great job.”

Even if Michael Carrick’s team lose away to Fabregas’ old employers at Stamford Bridge on Saturday the reception given to the current boss after last week’s defeat to Bournemouth sent a message to the board.

“If you're asking me about the history of Man United, they're a big club, they're still a big club in terms of [being] supported around the world,” Winterburn added. “There's usually a manager that thinks he could change it and make them better.

“But let's be respectful to Michael Carrick at the moment. He's under huge pressure. He came in last season, did a brilliant job. But... at the moment I don't think that United are are going to accept too many more of those results.

“The problem that they have is the board know that the supporters are with Michael Carrick and are against the board and some of the players. That's a difficult position to be in.”

"I don't need any assurances from anyone," he said. "I totally get the position. I understand the job. I understand the responsibilities. I understand what comes with that. So, I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard."

"I'm here to do my job. I'm here to do the best for the team, and I'm desperate to make us better and improve things. So, I'm not surprised [to still be in a job], no."

Nigel Winterburn was speaking courtesy of Virgin Bet