Manchester United have dismissed head coach Michael Carrick with immediate effect after the club made its worst start to a top-flight season in 40 years.
The 45-year-old leaves Old Trafford less than six months after signing a permanent contract through 2028. Carrick was appointed in May after an impressive interim spell last season, winning 12 of 17 matches as United finished third and qualified for the Champions League.
United’s form has since collapsed, leaving them 18th in the Premier League, one point above bottom-placed Crystal Palace.
The club have recorded just three wins in all competitions this season—in matches against Ipswich Town, Sabah and Roma—and only one victory in their opening 10 league fixtures. After conceding 19 goals, United have made their worst start to a campaign since 1986-87.
Heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Champions League newcomers Como, including a 4-1 loss, put Carrick’s position under pressure. Late rallies to beat Roma and secure a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday were not enough to save his job. United’s hierarchy, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Glazer family, chief executive Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, reportedly approved the decision during the international break.
In a statement, the club said it had reached the “extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions”. United also praised Carrick as a “Manchester United legend”, saying his dedication and achievements last season would be fondly remembered.
United are moving quickly to appoint a successor before their next fixture, away to rivals Liverpool on November 22. US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly agreed to a framework deal, with the club prepared to trigger his release clause, valued at about $10 million (£7.5 million).
Further details are expected as United finalise arrangements for their next managerial appointment.
