Manchester United sacked manager Michael Carrick on Thursday ending his tenure after the club’s worst start to a league season in 40 years.
The club confirmed the departure in a statement, noting that the hierarchy reached the “extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.” Carrick, a club legend who previously served as a player and captain, had taken charge of the team last term, leading them to a Champions League finish.
However, following a disastrous start to the 2026-27 campaign, the club’s form collapsed. The team has conceded 19 goals in the Premier League—a defensive record matching that of newly promoted Coventry City, whose squad costs approximately one-third of United’s.
Michael Carrick has departed his role as @ManUtd's first-team head coach, the club has confirmed. pic.twitter.com/yWnw8AjmsQ
Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the primary candidate to succeed Carrick. Formal steps are currently underway to appoint the Argentine, who is currently the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team. United has initiated contact with the US Soccer Federation to negotiate the compensation fee for Pochettino and his staff.
While he is contracted to US Soccer through the 2030 World Cup, an early exit appears increasingly likely. If an agreement is finalized, he could arrive at Manchester United as early as Wednesday, November 18, giving the new manager three days of training before the team’s match against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
Mauricio Pochettino’s story with #MUFC goes back a decade, when he was a genuine candidate to succeed Louis van Gaal. But Spurs title challenge faded + Avram Glazer wanted manager with record of trophies, so in came Jose Mourinho. More occasions too ⬇️https://t.co/60shuI1D7c
The transition follows a period of extreme volatility at Old Trafford. These physical deficiencies have been a recurring point of frustration, with star midfielder Bruno Fernandes publicly calling out the squad following a 4-1 loss to Como in the UEFA Champions League last month.
“Michael came in with a big personality but also with a lot of calmness about what he needed to do to bring the best out of the team,” Bruno Fernandes told Sky Sports said.
🚨💣 BREAKING: MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE SACKED MICHAEL CARRICK WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. pic.twitter.com/KcgPEGjSoN
Former United captain Gary Neville has publicly urged Pochettino to demand major guarantees from the club’s owners, the Glazer family, before committing to the role. Neville emphasized that the new manager must secure immediate investment to address a porous backline, warning against accepting verbal promises from the hierarchy.
The search for a new manager marks the eighth permanent appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in May 2013, which is the eighth permanent appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013. The club’s long-standing interest in Pochettino dates back a decade, with previous near-misses occurring in 2016 and 2022. During the 2022 search, Pochettino was interviewed for the vacancy that was ultimately filled by Erik ten Hag.
Despite the team’s slide into the relegation zone, Carrick’s personal standing remained high among supporters compared to the players and ownership. During the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, fans chanted “You’re not fit to wear the shirt” at the players, while simultaneously singing Carrick’s name.
Protests against the Glazer family have also intensified, with fans releasing thousands of green and gold balloons—the colors of the club at its founding in 1878—during recent matches to signal their discontent.
We can confirm Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
As the club prepares for the post-Carrick era, the pressure on the new manager to break the cycle of instability is immense. The current situation has drawn comparisons to previous managerial tenures, with some observers noting that the club’s history of turnover creates a challenging environment for any new arrival.
Whether Pochettino can improve the team's performance is uncertain, as the club faces a critical period to stabilize its standing in the Premier League.
🚨🔴 OFFICIAL: Michael Carrick has been sacked, Manchester United confirm. pic.twitter.com/UYsFpAmUi3
“We had a fantastic season last season, and now we expect more from the top, from upstairs, to bring in more players to compete because many teams have brought in many players as well,” Lisandro Martinez said.
Earlier coverage: Mauricio Pochettino Favoured to Replace Michael Carrick at Man United