Carrick sacked by Manchester United

Breaking Michael Carrick sacked by Manchester United

Updated / Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 10:32

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Manchester United have parted ways with manager Michael Carrick following their disastrous start to the Premier League season with United States boss Mauricio Pochettino widely expected to replace him.

Former Old Trafford midfielder Carrick was handed a two-year deal back in May following a successful interim stint, but after a poor start to the season where they have won just one of their 10 Premier League games, the decision was made to part ways with the 45-year-old.

Carrick had arrived at Carrington on Thursday morning where he was informed of the club's decision after director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada travelled to Monaco to see club co-owner Jim Ratcliffe earlier this week. He left United's training base shortly after 10am.

United currently sit in the relegation zone, with their only win the Premier League coming back in August when the beat newly promoted Ipswich 5-2.

With just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions, Carrick has been fighting an increasingly difficult battle to save his job.

United's 4-1 Champions League humiliation against Como proved to be a significant turning point, with Carrick reportedly given three matches against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa to demonstrate improvement, before the international break.

However, despite a 3-2 victory over Roma, defeat to Chelsea followed, while United's chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday proved to be the final straw.

An announcement on his successor is likely to follow quickly with the path appearing to be cleared for Pochettino.

The ex-Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss is understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford despite just three months ago signing a contract extension to remain as United States head coach until 2030.

US Soccer would be due compensation - with the release clause worth a reported $10m (€9m) - and is understood to be prepared for Pochettino's potential departure, with a succession plan ready to be activated.

The developments come as the US prepare for Nations League quarter-final fixtures against Haiti, with the head coach due to face the media at a Friday press conference nominally previewing the first leg.

Pochettino led training in Georgia on Wednesday but scheduled media availability with players was scrapped.

US Soccer confirmed it was cancelled in observance of Veterans Day, which removed the possibility of the squad being asked to comment on the news of their manager's potential exit.

Pochettino has spoken to United about the job on several occasions down the years, including in 2022 when the club instead turned to Erik ten Hag.

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