Michael Carrick was relieved of his duties by Manchester United on Thursday morning following a dismal start to the season, with a number of first-team players sharing messages of support

Harry Maguire has told Michael Carrick that he will "always be a legend," in the wake of Manchester United sacking the head coach. The Old Trafford top brass made the decision to part ways with the 45-year-old on Thursday morning following a dour run of form in the Premier League.

As things stand, United sit 18th in the standings with just eight points from their first 10 matches - their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years. And as a result, the board showed their ruthless nature once more by sending Carrick packing just months into the two-year contract he received this summer.

Now, United veteran, Maguire, has shared a message of support with the newly-unemployed tactician. Taking to Instagram and sharing a photograph of himself alongside Carrick, the centre-half wrote: "Will always be a legend. Respect. Thank you."

Maguire had been a major part of Carrick's plans this season, featuring in all 10 of United's Premier League matches this season thus far. However, the performances of the 33-year-old and his Reds team-mates were not enough to keep the Englishman in a job.

United broke the news of Carrick's dismissal with a statement on Thursday morning. It read: "Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.

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"Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.

"After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions. Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend.

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"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 intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible."

It comes as Mauricio Pochettino has been heavily tipped to replace Carrick at the Theatre of Dreams in the coming days. The Argentinian head coach is currently at the forefront of the United States national team until 2030, meaning that United will have to cough up a £7.4million fee to release him from his current commitments.

The 54-year-old is, however, expected to remain in his post until at least next Thursday, due to upcoming CONCACAF quarter-final clashes with Haiti which he looks to see through. The Stars and Bars take on their Caribbean neighbours in Miami on Saturday, November 14, before playing out a second leg in Cincinatti on Wednesday, November 18.

Only then is Pochettino expected to fly into Greater Manchester to assume his position as United's head coach. It is claimed that the Reds have reached an agreement in prinicpal over the appointment of Pochettino, although no official confirmation has landed just yet.