Michael Carrick has been sacked as Manchester United head coach as their season continues to go from bad to worse, with Mauricio Pochettino in line to replace him.
The Red Devils salvaged a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday in the Premier League – a result that proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Carrick’s tenure.
Carrick leaves with United in the relegation zone in 18th the Premier League with eight points from their opening 10 matches – their lowest position for 40 years at this stage of the season.
United’s hierarchy held a meeting on Wednesday in Monaco before confirming his fate on Thursday morning as the first Premier League managerial sacking of the season. Crystal Palace sacked Pierre Sage just hours later as their manager.
Manchester United’s statement on sacking Michael Carrick
‘Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach,’ the club announced in a statement on their website.
‘Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025-26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
‘After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.
‘Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
‘The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.’
Manchester United closing in on Mauricio Pochettino
Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Pochettino looks set to replace Carrick. The Argentine is currently head coach of the United States but it is believed his contract includes a £7million release clause and another that allows him to leave for a high-profile job, such as Manchester United.
If Pochettino does join, his first match in charge will be away at bitter rivals Liverpool in the Premier League on November 22.
Before Pochettino, the likes of free agents Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte had been linked to the job as well as Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.
Why Michael Carrick was sacked as Manchester United head coach
Carrick looked set to be done after losing 3-0 against Bournemouth on October 25, but was given a stay of execution up to the November international break.
Those three games post-Bournemouth began with a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, finishing the match with 10 men after Lisandro Martinez’s inexplicable red card, a miraculous 3-2 comeback win over Roma in the Champions League and a 4-4 draw with Villa – where they back from 2-0 and 4-2 down.
United’s performances and results at home have often been set against a backdrop of a toxic atmosphere within Old Trafford and a cacophony of boos.
Despite the vitriol, United fans have sung Carrick’s name defiantly as they took their anger at Ineos and the players.
Carrick leaves United with just three wins to show from their first 15 matches this season in all competitions. Those victories came against Premier League new boys Ipswich Town, Champions League debutants Sabah – who were only founded nine years ago – and Roma.
The 45-year-old was initially appointed as head coach at the club in January following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Carrick signed a contract until the end of the season but after turning their fortunes around, he penned a two-year contract this summer.
However, this season has proved to be a nightmare with the likes of Martinez and captain Bruno Fernandes going public with their discontent too.
He leaves with a record of 15 wins – 12 of which came last season, prior to being made permanent head coach – seven draws and eight defeats.
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