Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United will not win the Premier League or the UEFA Champions League under manager Michael Carrick — though he credits the former midfielder with stabilising the club.

Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, Carragher argued that rivals simply do not fear a Carrick-led United, and that claiming the game's biggest trophies demands a manager with an extraordinary quality he calls "stardust."

Carrick brings stability — but not stardust

"I'm not saying it's going to go wrong," Carragher said. "What Manchester United have had for the last six months, need that for another 12 months of not being the circus, not being the story all the time, and Carrick brings you that."

However, he drew a clear distinction between competent management and the elite level required to win European football's greatest prize. "Has he got that stardust to win the biggest trophy? I personally just don't think Michael Carrick's got that stardust as a manager to win a Champions League or a Premier League," he added.

Carragher nevertheless acknowledged the work Carrick has put in. "I don't believe Michael Carrick will win the league or the Champions League with Manchester United, but he's done a really good job," he said, suggesting that a strong season could position United to attract a Champions League-winning calibre manager in the future.

Surprise over Mateus Fernandes miss

Carragher also raised eyebrows at Manchester United's decision to pass up on signing midfielder Mateus Fernandes, reported at £85 million.

"I was a little bit worried when I saw United linked with Fernandes because I thought that could be a good signing," he said. "I just looked at him and his age and was surprised United didn't go for Fernandes. They said it was too expensive — but was it that expensive?"

The former Liverpool defender argued that the modern transfer market makes such a fee unavoidable for top talent. "I know £85m is a lot, but you're never going to get a really top midfielder now for £50m," he concluded.