Man Utd confirm Carrick’s sack after poor start to season

Manchester United have confirmed the departure of Michael Carrick as the club’s men’s first-team head coach following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 season.

The club announced the decision in a statement posted on its website on Thursday, saying it had reached the “extremely difficult conclusion” that a change was necessary to achieve its ambitions.

Carrick returned to Old Trafford in January and guided United to a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, winning 12 of their remaining 17 matches.

The club said United recorded the highest points tally in the league during that period under his leadership.

Despite acknowledging his achievements, United said a change was necessary after the team’s poor start to the current campaign.

“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend,” the statement said.

“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 intended to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible. 

Carrick’s exit follows United’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, when they fell 2-0 down inside four minutes and then 4-2 down early in the second half before mounting a last-gasp comeback to draw.

The rescue job followed a similar turnaround to beat Roma in the Champions League last Tuesday but was not enough to convince the United hierarchy to continue with the former midfielder in charge.

Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate, who were part of the coaching set-up under Carrick, are also expected to leave.

Carrick was initially appointed as United boss in January 2026 on a contract until the end of the season, following Ruben Amorim’s sacking earlier in that campaign.

He delivered a brilliant run of results, winning 12 of 17 matches to earn a third-place finish in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League.

Carrick was nominated for Premier League Manager of the Season and, on May 22, signed a new contract running to 2028. However, just three wins in 15 matches this term have cost him his job.

United are now looking for an eighth permanent head coach since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013 – with Pochettino understood to be ready to take the role.

Former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss Pochettino has been considered for the United job on three previous occasions, but finally now looks set for the Old Trafford hot seat.