Carrick sacked by Manchester United

Manchester United have parted ways with manager Michael Carrick following their disastrous start to the Premier League season, with USA boss Mauricio Pochettino widely expected to replace him.

Former Old Trafford midfielder Carrick was handed a two-year deal back in May following a successful interim stint, but after a poor start to the season where they have won just one of their 10 Premier League games, the decision was made to part ways with the 45-year-old.

Carrick arrived at Carrington on Thursday morning. He was informed of the club's decision after director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada travelled to Monaco to see club co-owner Jim Ratcliffe earlier this week. He left United's training base shortly after 10am.

"Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men's first-team head coach," the club said in a statement.

"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."

United currently sit in the relegation zone, with their only win in the Premier League coming back in August when the beat newly promoted Ipswich 5-2.

With just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions, Carrick has been fighting an increasingly difficult battle to save his job.

United's 4-1 Champions League humiliation against Como proved to be a significant turning point, with Carrick reportedly given three matches against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa to demonstrate improvement, before the international break.

However, despite a 3-2 victory over Roma, defeat to Chelsea followed, while United's chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday proved to be the final straw.

An announcement on his successor is likely to follow quickly with the path appearing to be cleared for Pochettino.

The ex-Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss is understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford despite just three months ago signing a contract extension to remain as USA head coach until 2030.

US Soccer would be due compensation - with the release clause worth a reported $10m (€9m) - and is understood to be prepared for Pochettino's potential departure, with a succession plan ready to be activated.

The developments come as the US prepare for Nations League quarter-final fixtures against Haiti, with the head coach due to face the media at a Friday press conference nominally previewing the first leg.

Pochettino led training in Georgia on Wednesday but scheduled media availability with players was scrapped.

US Soccer confirmed it was cancelled in observance of Veterans Day, which removed the possibility of the squad being asked to comment on the news of their manager's potential exit.

Pochettino has spoken to United about the job on several occasions down the years, including in 2022 when the club instead turned to Erik ten Hag.

The former Argentina international's appointment may prove inspired, but the way Carrick’s exit has been handled has caused anger externally and within some parts of the club given his years of sterling service to United.

Carrick made 464 appearances during a medal-laden time as a United player and becomes the seventh manager to be dismissed by the club since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The former England midfielder oversaw just three wins from 15 matches in all competitions this season, with only one of those victories coming in the league as the 18th-placed side made their worst start to a domestic campaign since 1986.

Carrick took training at Carrington on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Berrada and Wilcox having met Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday to discuss Carrick’s fate.

Ex-Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, most recently in charge of Germany, were in the early running but Pochettino has now emerged as the overwhelming favourite to be announced as Carrick’s successor.

Whoever does take over faces an uphill battle transforming an unbalanced squad lacking confidence and quality in key areas, including at left-back and up front.

The Red Devils return from the international break at rivals Liverpool on 22 November, with Ineos’ ambition to mark the club’s 150th anniversary with a title in 2028 looking fanciful.

The fans are putting unrelenting pressure on the club’s ownership and decision-makers, with calls for the Glazers and Ratcliffe to sell up going up a notch during last week’s Old Trafford games against Roma and Villa.

Wilcox has been roundly criticised for his role in the club’s decline and was the subject of a stinging public attack by defender Lisandro Martinez.

Wilcox and Berrada took stock of the situation at the start of the international hiatus, just a fortnight on from deciding to give Carrick the chance to turn things around following the 4-1 Champions League loss at Como and 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

United subsequently lost 2-0 at Chelsea, where they were unable to take their chances and saw Martinez sent off, before last Tuesday’s thrilling 3-2 Champions League comeback win against Roma.

Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Villa brought late drama, but was ultimately not enough to save Carrick from the chop.

United sources have expressed appreciation for Carrick’s professionalism and work leading them to third last season, but felt a change was necessary as one win from 10 league games was unacceptable.

The hierarchy are understood to be frustrated that this week’s discussions were leaked having decided to replace Carrick due to a belief the squad is better than performances and results suggest.

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