Manchester United's English head coach Michael Carrick gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on October 25, 2026.
Michael Carrick’s reign as Manchester United head coach has come to an end following a disappointing run of results, dressing room tensions, injury setbacks and concerns over the club’s summer recruitment, according to reports.
Carrick, who signed a two-year contract on May 22, lasted less than six months in the job, despite guiding United to 12 victories in 17 matches last season and securing Champions League qualification.
His departure marks the third consecutive season Manchester United have changed their manager midway through the campaign.
According to a report by BBC Sport’s Manchester United correspondent, Simon Stone, the decision followed a turbulent period in which United struggled to maintain consistency and suffered several disappointing results.
The club’s recent performances included defeats to Chelsea, Brighton and Como, as well as a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth that intensified pressure on Carrick.
Although United produced an impressive comeback to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League, their subsequent performances failed to convince the club’s hierarchy that Carrick was the right person to continue leading the team.
Their 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, after twice coming from two goals behind, also failed to change the club’s position.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox reportedly travelled to Monaco to inform minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that a managerial change was necessary.
Dressing room tensions add to pressure
Carrick also faced growing tensions within the squad, with senior players publicly expressing concerns about the team’s performances and tactical approach.
Defender Lisandro Martinez reportedly criticised the club’s summer recruitment strategy following the 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, directing his concerns towards football director Jason Wilcox.
Captain Bruno Fernandes also questioned Carrick’s tactics after United’s 4-1 defeat to Como.
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The midfielder was subsequently dropped for the Bournemouth fixture before returning to the starting line-up as captain against Chelsea.
These incidents added to the pressure surrounding Carrick at a time when United were struggling to find consistency.
Injuries and recruitment problems
Injuries to key players further complicated Carrick’s efforts to improve the team.
Benjamin Sesko, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba were among those affected by fitness problems, limiting the manager’s options in several areas.
The club’s recruitment strategy also came under scrutiny, particularly after failing to address weaknesses in central defence and at left-back.
Carrick had reportedly made his concerns about the squad depth clear during the club’s pre-season training camp in August.
“We want more, we need more,” he said when asked about the possibility of further signings.
However, United’s recruitment activities failed to provide all the reinforcements he wanted, leaving the manager to work with a squad that struggled with injuries and defensive problems.
The Red Devils had conceded 30 goals in the campaign, one of the highest totals among clubs in Europe’s top five leagues.
Pochettino emerges as possible replacement
With Carrick now departing, Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a likely candidate to take over the managerial position.
Source: Punch · Gilbert Ekugbe
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