Man United have sacked Michael Carrick with the Reds sitting in the Premier League relegation zone

Manchester United have confirmed their decision to sack Michael Carrick. The former United head coach was permanently appointed in May after leading the Reds back to the Champions League last season. However, this campaign has seen United's sparkling form at the end of last season collapse.

United have started the 2026/27 Premier League season with just one win in 10 games. Last month, after a heavy defeat to Como in the Champions League was followed by another against Bournemouth, Carrick looked to be on the brink of leaving. After crisis talks at Carrington, United's hierarchy decided to stick with their head coach for the final three games before the international break.

Those matches were an opportunity for the Reds to turn a corner. However, a defeat to Chelsea, a comeback win against Roma and a chaotic draw with Aston Villa were not enough to save Carrick. On Thursday, the United boss was informed by Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox that he had been sacked.

The Reds are wasting no time searching for their replacement. Mauricio Pochettino has been identified as their preferred option. United have contacted the US Soccer Federation to agree the terms of an exit package for 54-year-old Pochettino.

Pochettino is understood to have a release clause with the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) of £7.4m. However, United will have to pay more once the Reds have hired his coaching team.