Liverpool is preparing for a huge clash against Manchester United on the horizon, but there will be a change in the dugout for the encounter at Anfield

Manchester United has finally decided to part ways with Michael Carrick, after informing the head coach that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach.

The club issued a statement on the 45-year-old, which reads: "Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach. 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. 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."

In response, Man United is now expected to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as the next head coach, with talks already being held with the USMNT manager about the position.

The Red Devils have picked up just eight points in the opening ten games of the campaign, leaving the side in the bottom three heading into the November international break. While comebacks against Roma and Aston Villa in the final week before the break suggested the players were still willing to fight for Carrick, the difficult start seemingly couldn't be overlooked while a decision was being discussed.

It has been a campaign that is a far cry from the second half of the previous season under the former midfielder, who had brought some stability and guided the team to a third-place finish and a return to the Champions League.

Particular frustrations have boiled over from a defeat to ten-man Manchester City, as well as a draw against Tottenham when they were a man light due to a sending off as well. Several breaking points followed, as defeat to Atletico Madrid prompted Lisandro Martinez to go public with a criticism of the hierarchy above him.

Another defeat in the Champions League, this time to Como, saw Bruno Fernandes appear to take aim at Carrick's tactical choices, as he questioned why the team was not being more aggressive in pressing the opposition. Having shipped another 11 goals in the four games after that without a win in the Premier League, the international break offered a chance for change.

While Carrick has taken training for the first few days, it has seemingly been nothing more than a stay of execution, with the board now informing him and his staff of their desire to part ways.

The handling of the exit in that way may come under scrutiny, considering the status that the former midfielder has as a club legend. However, the board has decided to line up other options before seemingly putting the manager out of his misery after a difficult and bruising spell of form.

That now means all eyes will be on the next hire, with Pochettino firmly expected to take up the role in the Old Trafford dugout. The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss is currently in charge of the USMNT, though his latest deal included a release clause that can be activated to let him join a club at any point.

It's unclear exactly how the order of events will play out from here, with the US set to take on Haiti in two clashes over the international break. As things stand, there is an expectation that the Argentinian coach will be in post for at least one of those games, but that could still change.

Therefore, it remains to be seen exactly how long on the training field he is likely to get with his new group of players at Man United, with preparations already underway for a clash against Liverpool after the international break.

The Reds will be hoping that it will be a similar Man United that shows up at Anfield that has shown up elsewhere this season, but the prospect of a new manager bounce is a very real one that may add an extra layer of complexity for Andoni Iraola and his staff.