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Manchester United have confirmed the departure of men’s first-team head coach Michael Carrick following a dismal start to the campaign that leaves the club sitting in the relegation zone.
Departure After Monaco Discussions
The announcement followed a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday between United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox to discuss Carrick’s position, as reported by 101 Great Goals. Carrick arrived at the Carrington training ground at approximately 8am and departed two and a half hours later after reportedly being informed of his dismissal by Berrada.
In an official statement, the club acknowledged Carrick’s contributions, noting that he rejoined the team in January and secured a third-place Premier League finish for the 2025/26 season by winning 12 of his final 17 matches. The club stated, “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.” United added that they intend to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.
Struggles After a Promising Interim Spell
Carrick initially took over on an interim basis in January following the departure of Ruben Amorim, earning a two-year contract after guiding the squad into the Champions League. However, the current term has unraveled amid a summer transfer window that many supporters believe left the squad deficient in attack and at left back despite the arrivals of midfielders Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba, and Andrey Santos.
United currently occupy 17th place in the Premier League table with only one victory from their first 10 matches, marking their worst start to a season since the 1986/87 campaign. European form has been mixed with two wins against Sabah and Roma alongside losses to Atletico Madrid and Como. Compounding matters, defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the club hierarchy after the Atletico defeat, while captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned Carrick’s tactics following a 4-1 loss in Como.
Pochettino Lineup as Potential Successor
United States boss Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the frontrunner to take over at Old Trafford. Although Pochettino signed a four-year contract extension with the United States Soccer Federation in August, he has indicated a desire to return to the Premier League, where he previously managed Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea.
United are expected to trigger a release clause in his US Soccer contract worth approximately £7.4 million, allowing him to take charge for the upcoming fixture against Liverpool at Anfield after the international break. His long-time assistant, Jesus Perez, is also slated to join the coaching staff. It remains uncertain whether Pochettino will manage the United States in their upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti before making the move.
