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Gary Lineker believes Michael Carrick's next real test at Manchester United will be breaking down teams that set up defensively and not be open on the counter. Ruben Amorim struggled to get results against so-called 'lesser' opposition, with notable draws against relegation strugglers Wolves and Leeds United prior to his departure from Old Trafford.

Since taking on the interim head coach role, Carrick has dramatically transformed United into a much more effective team. They've picked up back-to-back wins against Man City and Arsenal in recent weeks and look like a completely different side since changing formation.

Carrick has been hailed by the likes of Gary Neville for improving United in such a quick period, and Lineker has joked the former Middlesbrough boss should sign a longer-term contract.

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Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football, Lineker said: "It's funny football, isn't it? Because suddenly you go back to a system that perhaps suits some of the players.

"You bring back bit of experience in Harry Maguire, you bring back one of the star players in Kobbie Mainoo, and play him in there.

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"You push Bruno [Fernandes] a little bit further forward where he's a little bit more comfortable and can bring out his brilliance more.

"You get Amad playing as a winger and not as a wing-back. And all of a sudden, it;s very strange, but things start to happen for you."

A bit later on, Lineker joked: "Carrick's at the wheel, sign the contract."

Fellow pundit, Alan Shearer said: "I think that it’s too early to say after two games, [he’s been] absolutely very, very promising.

"[Carrick has] made an unbelievable start, maybe even surprised himself. I don't know, but I think ask me that in two months time."

Lineker said: "It will be interesting to see how they do against teams that sit and play a low block.

"We've seen in recent seasons that Man United's best days have often been against the bigger clubs that go for them, so that’s probably the next test for Michael Carrick, how does he break down teams and not be vulnerable on the counter attack themselves?"

United are back in Premier League action when they host Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, February 1st, looking to win three games on the spin for the second time this season.