Manchester United have terminated the appointment of Michael Carrick as the manager of the Premier League club.
“Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach,” the club said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Carrick, former United midfielder, rejoined the club in January 2026 and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season.
United added: “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.
“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 intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are close to agreeing a deal with United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino to become their next manager.
Man United set to sack Carrick, appoint Pochettino as new coach
United would have to pay around £7 million to buy out Pochettino from his newly-signed contract with the United States.
United slumped to 18th position in the Premier League table after a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
It’s their lowest position at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1986-87, when they were 20th.
United have now gone eight league games without a win, matching a run they have endured only once before in the Premier League, in April and May 2025.
Former Tottenham, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) boss Pochettino would have an enormous task on his hands to revive a club that has never recovered from the departure of Alex Ferguson 13 years ago.
The Red Devils, once the dominant force in English football, have been overtaken by Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
United’s next game is against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
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