Photo: Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2026 — Glyn Kirk / AFP
Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men's first-team head coach, ending his time in charge after the club's worst start to a league season in 40 years.
The club announced the decision in an official statement on Thursday, after Carrick was reportedly told at the Carrington training ground that morning.
United sit 18th in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation zone. Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford proved to be his final match in charge.
- Manchester United confirmed Carrick's departure in a club statement on Thursday
- United are 18th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone
- Mauricio Pochettino is the preferred candidate to take over, but has not been appointed
Why Manchester United sacked Michael Carrick
United have gone eight Premier League matches without a win. Their victory over Roma last week was their only win in ten games across all competitions.
Carrick's side won just one of their first ten league matches this season. They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Fulham.
It is a sharp fall from last season, when Carrick — appointed permanently in May after an impressive interim spell — led United to third place with 64 points. As a player, he made 464 appearances for the club and won five Premier League titles.
Mauricio Pochettino leads the race to replace Carrick
Mauricio Pochettino, the current United States head coach, has emerged as United's preferred candidate to take over. He has not been appointed.
Pochettino remains under contract with US Soccer, and United would need to activate a release clause in that contract to bring him to Old Trafford.
What happens next for Manchester United
United have not named an interim coach. Their next league fixture is the trip to face Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, and the club is expected to move quickly on a permanent appointment.
Sources: Manchester United club statement; Punch; Vanguard. Follow @newstweetnaija for more.
