Manchester United close to Pochettino deal as Carrick faces sack
Abdullateef Fowewe
Manchester United has confirmed that Michael Carrick has left his role as men’s first-team head coach after a dismal start to the season that has left the club in the Premier League relegation zone.
In a statement shared on their channels on Thursday, the club said, “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.”
They continued, “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 also paid tribute to the former midfielder, stating, “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. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.”
The club added that it “intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
Carrick, a club legend who made more than 400 appearances for United as a player, returned in January 2026 as interim head coach following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
He guided the side to a strong finish, winning 12 of the remaining 17 Premier League games and securing third place with the highest points tally in the league over that period.
That success earned him a permanent two-year contract in the summer.
This season has been a sharp contrast. United have managed just one league win in their first 10 matches — their worst start in around 40 years and sit in the bottom three.
A chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa last Sunday proved the final result under his tenure.
Reports indicate that US Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino is the leading candidate to replace him, with a framework agreement reportedly already in place, Dailyeconomy reports.
The decision to part ways with Carrick followed discussions involving director of football Jason Wilcox, CEO Omar Berrada and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
