Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick following a disappointing start to the 2026/2027 season, with the club’s hierarchy concluding that a managerial change was necessary to revive their struggling campaign.
The Premier League side confirmed Carrick’s departure on Thursday, November 12, after a series of disappointing results left the club battling near the relegation zone.
Carrick’s dismissal followed a run of just one victory in his last 11 matches, with United sitting third from bottom of the Premier League table after collecting eight points from their opening 10 league fixtures.
The decision came after a review of the team’s performances by the club’s football leadership, including director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, with approval from the club’s board.
In a statement announcing his departure, Manchester United said the decision followed careful consideration of the team’s poor start to the campaign.
“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,” the statement read.
The club, however, acknowledged Carrick’s contributions during his return to Old Trafford, particularly his impressive interim spell in the second half of the previous season.
Carrick initially took charge in January following the departure of Ruben Amorim and transformed the team’s fortunes, guiding United to a third-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
He recorded 12 victories and three draws in 17 league matches during that period, prompting the club to appoint him permanently in May on a contract running until 2028.
However, his impressive start failed to translate into sustained success this season, with United struggling for consistency and slipping into the relegation zone.
Despite the disappointing results, the club described Carrick as a Manchester United legend and praised his professionalism and commitment.
“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,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly targeting former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick’s potential replacement.
Pochettino, who currently manages the United States men’s national team, is understood to have reached a framework agreement with the English club, although arrangements would be required for his release.
The Argentine previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League and is being considered to restore United’s competitiveness.
United are expected to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible, with their next league assignment a difficult away encounter against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
The managerial change marks another turbulent chapter for the Old Trafford side, who have struggled to regain their former dominance since the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
