The Green Post Ireland
Manchester, 12 November 2026 — Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick after a disastrous start to the 2026/27 season left the club in the Premier League relegation zone.
The 45-year-old was dismissed on Thursday, just six months after signing a two-year contract following a successful spell as interim manager.
United have won only one of their opening 10 Premier League matches and recorded just three victories in 15 games across all competitions.
Mauricio Pochettino, currently head coach of the United States national team, is widely expected to succeed Carrick, although his appointment has not yet been officially confirmed.
Manchester United Confirm Michael Carrick’s Departure
Carrick arrived at United’s Carrington training ground on Thursday morning and left shortly after 10am following confirmation of the club’s decision.
In an official statement, Manchester United announced his departure and thanked him for his contribution.
The club acknowledged Carrick’s achievements during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, when he guided United to third place in the Premier League.
He won 12 of his 17 remaining league matches after taking charge in January, earning the opportunity to continue as permanent head coach.
Why Was Michael Carrick Sacked?
Manchester United’s league campaign has produced just one victory, a 5-2 win against newly promoted Ipswich Town in August.
Their Champions League performances have also increased pressure on Carrick.
A 4-1 defeat against Italian side Como was followed by a difficult sequence of fixtures that included Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa.
Although United defeated Roma 3-2 in Europe, they subsequently lost to Chelsea.
Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa proved to be Carrick’s final match in charge.
The decision to dismiss him followed discussions involving director of football Jason Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Wilcox and Berrada travelled to Monaco earlier in the week to meet Ratcliffe and review the club’s position.
Mauricio Pochettino Close to Manchester United Job
Pochettino has emerged as United’s preferred candidate to replace Carrick.
The 54-year-old Argentine previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
He is currently in charge of the United States national team and signed a contract extension in August that runs until 2030.
According to Sky Sports, United have reached an agreement in principle with Pochettino, although his departure from US Soccer still requires formal arrangements.
The compensation required to release him from his contract has been reported at approximately $10 million.
ESPN also reported on Thursday that Manchester United had contacted the US Soccer Federation as negotiations advanced.
When Could Pochettino Take Charge at Old Trafford?
Pochettino is preparing the United States for CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti.
Reports indicate that he could remain with the national team for those fixtures before taking up the Manchester United position.
United’s next Premier League match is scheduled against Liverpool on November 22, leaving limited preparation time if Pochettino completes his move after the international break.
The Argentine has previously held discussions with Manchester United about becoming manager, including in 2022, when the club ultimately appointed Erik ten Hag.
Carrick Leaves After Successful Interim Spell
Carrick returned to Manchester United in January 2026 and initially oversaw a strong recovery in league results.
His 12 victories in 17 matches helped the club secure a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
That performance earned him a permanent appointment in May. His dismissal ends a brief tenure as permanent head coach, with United now searching for another manager while battling near the bottom of the Premier League table.
