Manchester United have ended Michael Carrick’s reign following an internal review of the club’s disastrous start to the 2026/27 season.
Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick after a nightmare opening to the season left the English giants fighting near the bottom of the Premier League.
Carrick was informed of the decision on Thursday, 12 November 2026, after senior figures at the club completed a review of his position.
His departure comes with United sitting 18th in the Premier League. The Red Devils collected only eight points from their opening 10 matches and recorded just one league victory.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox held talks with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco before Carrick was informed that his time at Old Trafford had ended.
Aston Villa comeback failed to save Carrick
United’s chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa proved to be Carrick’s final Premier League match in charge.
The home side entered added time trailing 4-2 before Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu scored late goals to rescue a point.
Old Trafford supporters continued singing “It’s Carrick, you know” after the final whistle. Therefore, it was clear that Carrick still enjoyed considerable affection among sections of the United fan base.
However, the dramatic comeback could not hide the team’s defensive problems or its worrying league position.
United had gone eight consecutive Premier League matches without a victory. They also conceded 30 goals across all competitions during their poor opening run.
As a result, the club’s hierarchy decided that a change was necessary before the season drifted further out of control.
Three matches were not enough to change the board’s mind
Carrick came close to losing his job following United’s humiliating 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth on 25 October.
Club officials decided to give him three additional matches to prove that he could reverse the decline.
United lost 2-0 against Chelsea before producing a spirited Champions League comeback against Roma. They recovered from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s team then fought back several times during the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.
Nevertheless, one victory, one draw and one defeat failed to convince the board that United were moving in the right direction.
The club remained inside the relegation zone heading into the international break. Furthermore, United’s performances continued to expose serious weaknesses in midfield and defence.
Carrick’s promising return ended painfully
Carrick returned to Manchester United as head coach in January 2026 after the club parted company with Ruben Amorim.
His arrival initially transformed United’s season.
The former England midfielder guided the club to a third-place Premier League finish and secured qualification for the Champions League. He also won the Premier League Manager of the Month award following victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
Those performances convinced United to hand Carrick a permanent contract in May. His deal was expected to run until 2028.
However, the new campaign quickly became a struggle.
United lost against newly promoted Hull City on the opening weekend. Although they responded by beating Ipswich Town, that remained their only league victory under Carrick this season.
The team repeatedly surrendered leads, conceded avoidable goals and struggled to control matches. Consequently, Carrick’s impressive work from the previous campaign was overshadowed by United’s worst start in four decades.
Mauricio Pochettino emerges as the leading replacement
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to replace Carrick at Old Trafford.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager currently leads the United States national team. His contract reportedly runs until 2030 after he signed an extension following the 2026 World Cup.
Manchester United have moved quickly to secure his services and have approached US Soccer about his release.
The Premier League club may need to pay approximately $10 million, or £7.5 million, to activate the release clause in Pochettino’s contract.
Additional compensation could also be required if he brings his regular coaching staff to Manchester.
Pochettino has long admired the United job. He previously held discussions with the club before other managerial appointments were made.
Liverpool could provide a brutal first assignment
United return from the international break with a difficult trip to Liverpool on 22 November.
If his appointment is completed in time, Pochettino could make his debut in the Old Trafford dugout at Anfield.
The Argentine would have only a few days to prepare his new squad for one of English football’s biggest matches. He would also inherit a team low on confidence and already facing a potentially damaging relegation battle.
Meanwhile, Carrick leaves with his place in Manchester United’s history secure despite the painful ending.
He made 464 appearances for the club and won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and two League Cups.
His connection with United will remain strong. However, the club’s alarming results ultimately made his position impossible to defend.
