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Manchester United has sacked manager Michael Carrick following a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign, with United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino widely tipped to take over.
Carrick, a former Manchester United midfielder, guided the club to an impressive third-place finish last season. However, the team have struggled in this campaign, collecting just eight points from their opening 10 matches and slipping into the relegation zone.
“Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach,” the club said in a statement.
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“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 to achieve our ambitions.”
However, the club’s hierarchy have decided to part ways with him in a bid to turn around their struggling season, following a run of just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions.
Carrick’s departure was reportedly settled on Wednesday at a meeting in Monaco attended by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
The former United midfielder had initially received praise for bringing stability to the team after Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January following a turbulent spell in charge.
However, the club’s disappointing transfer business and declining performances have contributed to the team’s struggles this season.
Carrick also faced difficulties managing discipline within the squad. He dropped captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder questioned his tactics following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Champions League newcomers Como.
Defender Lisandro Martinez also publicly criticised the club’s leadership over its failure to bring in more top-quality players.
Pochettino emerges as leading candidate
Mauricio Pochettino has considerable experience in English football, having managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. He also previously coached French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine, however, signed a contract extension with the United States national team just three months ago, committing to remain in charge until the 2030 World Cup.
Despite that agreement, Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that Manchester United had “reached a verbal agreement in principle” with Pochettino to take over as head coach.
The former Tottenham boss has been linked with the Old Trafford job on several previous occasions.
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United face rebuilding challenge
Pochettino would inherit the challenge of restoring a club that has struggled to rediscover its former dominance since Alex Ferguson retired 13 years ago.
Manchester United have not won another Premier League title since the legendary Scottish manager left the club, while former rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have moved ahead of them in English football.
United will next face fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
