Michael Carrick has been dismissed as Manchester United’s men’s first-team head coach following the club’s worst start to a Premier League season. The decision came on Thursday after United secured just eight points from their opening 10 league games, leaving them in the relegation zone.
The club confirmed Carrick’s departure in a statement, noting the difficulty of the decision. “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,” the statement said. “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.”
Carrick’s final match in charge was a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, a game marked by chaos and defensive lapses. Despite insisting after the match that he would not walk away, the club’s hierarchy opted to move quickly after a run of just three wins in 15 games across all competitions.
Sources say the decision was made during a meeting on Wednesday in Monaco involving co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox. Carrick had earned praise for stabilising the team after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January, but the team’s decline this season has been steep.
The club’s struggles have been compounded by poor recruitment during the transfer window, which has limited Carrick’s options. Discipline within the squad has also been an issue. Carrick dropped captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder publicly criticised his tactics following a 4-1 defeat to Champions League debutants Como. Defender Lisandro Martinez also publicly criticised the club’s leadership over the lack of top-tier signings.
Mauricio Pochettino, the current United States men’s national team coach, is expected to take over at Old Trafford. Pochettino recently signed a contract extension with the USMNT through to the 2030 World Cup, but Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that Manchester United had reached a “verbal agreement in principle” with the Argentine to become their new head coach. Pochettino has previously managed in the Premier League with Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea, and also spent time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Pochettino faces a difficult task at a club that has struggled to reclaim past glories since Alex Ferguson’s retirement 13 years ago. Manchester United have not won a Premier League title since Ferguson’s departure and have been eclipsed domestically by Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
United’s next match is scheduled against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, a fixture that will offer an early test for whoever takes charge next.
Carrick’s brief second spell in charge ended amid mounting pressure and poor results, reflecting the challenges Manchester United continue to face as they attempt to return to the top of English football.
According to Yahoo Sports.
