Manchester United sacks head coach Michael Carrick after poor start

Manchester United has sacked head coach Michael Carrick after a dismal start to the season, the club announced on Thursday. Carrick, 45, had been in the role for less than a year.

"Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend," the club said in a statement. "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."

Results and record

After 10 Premier League games, United have won only once and have collected eight points. The team sits in 18th position, two places off the bottom, in what sources describe as the club’s worst start to a Premier League season in 40 years. Carrick leaves with a 14-7-7 record from 28 games.

Recent results include a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth, a 2-0 loss to Chelsea, a 3-2 Champions League win over Roma, and a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

Successor

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the US men’s football team, is widely expected to be appointed as Carrick’s successor. Reports indicate an agreement or framework agreement is already in place. Pochettino’s contract with US Soccer contains a release clause understood to be worth around £7–7.5 million, while other reports put the figure at around $10 million.

Context

Carrick took charge of United’s first team in January after the departure of Ruben Amorim, who lasted 14 months in the role. He was given the job permanently in May, with a contract running until 2028, after lifting United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification last season.

The sacking is the third managerial change since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of United’s operations in 2024 via a deal in which he bought a 30 per cent stake in the club. Before Amorim, United fired Erik ten Hag. The club has spent more than £30mn on compensation related to the firings of ten Hag and Amorim.

Why it matters

• Carrick’s dismissal leaves Manchester United in the Premier League relegation zone after 10 games.
• Mauricio Pochettino is the reported frontrunner to replace him.
• The change marks the third managerial departure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership.
• United’s next Premier League fixture is away at Liverpool on 22 November.

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Sources

• ft.com: Man United sack head coach Michael Carrick after dismal run of results
• en.as.com: Manchester United fire Michael Carrick: What was his record at Old Trafford? - AS USA
• dawan.africa: Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick After Dismal Start | Dawan Africa | Dawan Africa
• sports.yahoo.com: Manchester United sack Michael Carrick, set to appoint USMNT coach - Yahoo Sports

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.