Manchester United Confirm Carrick Departure Amid Relegation Fears

Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick, with the club in the Premier League relegation zone after just one league win all season.

In a statement, the club said: “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.

“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.”

According to reports, United are close to agreeing a deal with Mauricio Pochettino and have contacted the US Soccer Federation as they push ahead with plans to make him Carrick’s successor. 

Carrick met executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox at Carrington on Thursday. That followed a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday between Berrada, Wilcox and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The 45-year-old leaves with United having won three of 15 games in all competitions this season. His last match in charge was the chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, in which Unai Emery’s side twice led by two goals.

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Carrick took over on an interim basis in January after Ruben Amorim was dismissed. He won his first game 2-0 against Manchester City, then won 12 of his 17 matches to finish third in the league and earn a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2023. That form won him the job permanently, and he signed a two-year deal in May.

The fall since has been startling. United lost 2-0 to newly promoted Hull City on the opening weekend and went out of the Carabao Cup, losing 3-2 to Brighton after leading 2-0. A heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como in October was followed four days later by a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth.

United have now sacked a manager midway through each of the last three seasons. Erik ten Hag went in October 2024, and Amorim 14 months later.

Pochettino is in pole position. His release clause with US Soccer is $10m (£7.5m), and his staff, including assistant Jesus Perez, could cost another $2m. The former Southampton, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss is expected to take charge of the United States for their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final games against Haiti on 14 and 17 November. 

United’s next fixture is at Liverpool on 22 November.