According to a report by Daily Post on Saturday, October 24, 2026, former England internationals Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have warned Como manager Cesc Fabregas against accepting a potential job offer from Manchester United, describing the Premier League club as a difficult destination for managers.

Lineker, in particular, described Old Trafford as a “graveyard” for managers, arguing that Fabregas could put his promising coaching career at risk by taking charge of the struggling English giants at this stage.

The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder has attracted attention for his work at Como, where he has helped establish the Italian side as an ambitious project.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker and Shearer praised Fabregas's managerial qualities but questioned whether Manchester United would provide the right environment for his continued development.

Their comments come amid reports linking the Spanish coach with the United job as the club considers its options following a disappointing run of results.

Manchester United have struggled to find consistency, recording just one victory in seven Premier League matches and two wins in 11 games across all competitions, according to the figures cited in the report.

The club's poor form has increased pressure on its leadership to identify a suitable successor and restore stability to the team.

Fabregas has emerged as a potential candidate because of his work at Como, although any appointment would depend on developments at both clubs.

Shearer, the former Newcastle United and England striker, spoke positively about Fabregas's approach to management, describing the young coach as a promising figure in European football.

He highlighted the Spaniard's calmness, attitude and balanced personality, qualities he believes have contributed to his progress at Como.

“Mentioning up-and-coming managers, Cesc Fabregas is the next one on the block,” Shearer said.

“I love his attitude, I love how calm he is, how balanced he is and the job he's doing there is remarkable.”

Fabregas has been building his reputation since moving into coaching following a distinguished playing career that included spells at Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea.

His work at Como has attracted interest because of the club's development and its ambitions to compete at a higher level.

Shearer's assessment suggests Fabregas could attract offers from some of Europe's biggest clubs if he continues to deliver positive results.

However, the former England striker questioned whether Manchester United would currently represent an attractive opportunity for the Spanish coach.

Lineker agreed that Fabregas could eventually receive offers from major clubs but urged him to carefully consider the risks associated with moving to Old Trafford.

The former England striker argued that Manchester United's recent history of managerial changes should serve as a warning to any coach considering the position.

“He will face a huge decision eventually if he maintains even modest success with Como a major club will pursue him,” Lineker said.

He then delivered a blunt assessment of the possibility of Fabregas taking over at United.

“It could be Manchester United. Should he accept that position, he would be mad! It is fundamentally a graveyard,” he added.

Lineker's remarks reflect concerns about the pressure placed on managers at Manchester United since the retirement of legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Several coaches have taken charge of the club since Ferguson's departure, but none has managed to reproduce his sustained domestic dominance.

The club's repeated managerial changes, inconsistent performances and difficulties challenging for the Premier League title have raised questions about whether its current structure provides the stability needed for long-term success.

Shearer also acknowledged Manchester United's stature in world football but argued that its recent record makes the position less attractive than its reputation might suggest.

“While it is undoubtedly a prestigious football club, it is not an appealing opportunity currently, given the number of managers who have served there and subsequently been dismissed,” he said.

He added sarcastically that one potential benefit of accepting the position would be the possibility of receiving a substantial severance payment if the appointment failed.

“The only appealing aspect is that he might receive a substantial severance package within 12 to 18 months,” Shearer said.