Michael Carrick has been sacked as Manchester United head coach, the club have confirmed.The announcement was widely expected after United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe met CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox in Monaco to discuss Carricks position on Wednesday.United States boss Mauricio Pochettino is expected to take over at Old Trafford.United ditch Carrick with club in relegation zoneCarrick took over on an interim basis in January, succeeding Ruben Amorim, and inspired a dramatic uptick in performances that resulted in a third-placed finish and qualification for the Champions League.He was rewarded with a two-year deal but this season has not gone to plan. Many fans put it down to underwhelming recruitment in the summer with Wilcox bolstering the midfield with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos but leaving the squad short in other areas, most notably left back and in attack.United sit in 17th place in the Premier League table having won just one of their opening 10 games. It is their worst start since the 1986/87 season.The club have fared a little better in the Champions League with two wins, against Sabah and Roma, but also defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como.Carrick has also had to deal with two of his senior players making unwanted public statements. The first saw Argentina defend Lisandro Martinez criticise the club hierarchy following the defeat at Atletico while captain Bruno Fernandes questioned Carricks tactics after the 4-1 thrashing in Como.Pochettino the next man to try to revive ailing UnitedPochettino signed a new, four-year deal with the United States Soccer Federation in August but has made it clear to United officials he wanted to move back to the Premier League, where he has managed previously with Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.He led the USA to the last 16 at the World Cup over the summer with an exciting, young dynamic team that was able to produce the aggressive, high press style that Pochettino likes to employ.The former Argentina defender, who has also managed Espanyol and Paris Saint-Germain, may find that more difficult at Old Trafford with a team lacks dynamism. Topics Manchester United F.C. Mauricio Pochettino Michael Carrick If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read England captain Kane backs Pochettino to shine at Manchester United Jon Fisher 11th November, 2026 Wayne Rooney confirmed as a contestant on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Jon Fisher 11th November, 2026 Say no Mauricio! The five reasons why Pochettino should swerve Manchester United job Jon Fisher 11th November, 2026 Manchester United: Carrick arrives at Carrington ahead of day of crunch talks Jon Fisher 10th November, 2026 Manchester United manager update: Pochettino the new favourite to take over at Old Trafford Jon Fisher 9th November, 2026 Manchester United 4-4 Aston Villa: Remarkable comeback gives Carrick valuable point Nicholas McGee 8th November, 2026
