Michael Carrick’s time as Manchester United manager ended on Wednesday, when the club dismissed him after a difficult season.

According to a report from Football Transfer on Thursday, November, 12, 2026, his departure reflects wider instability at Old Trafford, with the club struggling on and off the pitch.

The decision followed days and possibly weeks of mounting speculation. United continued to bring Carrick to training and face the media even as reports emerged that discussions were taking place with Mauricio Pochettino about a potential replacement. The drawn-out process added to the sense of disorder surrounding the club.

Yet Carrick’s dismissal is unlikely to resolve the problems that have undermined United’s campaign.

The club’s difficulties extend beyond the manager, touching its leadership, football operations, squad planning and internal culture.

United are in the bottom three and facing a relegation fight, a stark contrast to the expectations associated with their history.

When Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in February 2024, he pledged to change the club’s culture.

However, cost-cutting measures including ending staff lunches and cancelling the Christmas party have drawn criticism and contributed to negative headlines.

Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes’ reported outburst at Carrick after the Champions League defeat to Como has raised questions about whether tensions within the dressing room have eased.

Ratcliffe’s leadership team is also facing scrutiny. Sporting director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada have attracted criticism from supporters, particularly over recruitment and the club’s transfer strategy.

United entered the summer needing several additions to strengthen their squad for domestic and European competition.

Manuel Ugarte’s serious injury during the World Cup increased the need for reinforcements, but the club ultimately signed three players, all in central midfield.

That left weaknesses at left-back and in attack, while injuries further exposed the limited depth.

Carrick may have made mistakes, but his departure risks treating the most visible problem rather than the underlying ones.

A new manager could bring a short-term lift, and Pochettino might improve results, but a change in the dugout alone cannot repair broader structural weaknesses.

For United to return consistently to the Premier League’s top six and eventually contend for major honours the club’s decision-makers will need to address recruitment, squad balance and leadership.

Without meaningful change across those areas, another managerial appointment may offer only temporary relief.