Man Utd Sack Carrick After Winless Run Leaves Club 18th

Pochettino set to replace Carrick after Man Utd sack head coach

Manchester United have pulled the trigger on Michael Carrick, sacking the head coach with the club languishing in 18th and Mauricio Pochettino lined up to take charge.

‎Michael Carrick sacked by Manchester United after disastrous start...

Manchester United have announced the sacking of Michael Carrick, with Mauricio Pochettino poised to take over.

Michael Carrick was dismissed as head coach of Manchester United on Thursday, with the club sitting 18th in the Premier League and inside the relegation zone.

We can confirm Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 12, 2026

The 45-year-old's future was decided by United chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco, according to reports.

The club confirmed the decision shortly before midday CET on Thursday, along with the following statement: “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.”

“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible,“ the statement concluded.

The decision follows Sunday's dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford, which extended their winless league run to eight games.

“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.”

Manchester United League Standings

Carrick becomes the second United boss to lose his job in successive seasons, with the club suffering its worst start to a domestic campaign in four decades.

Mauricio Pochettino, the current head coach of the United States men's national team, is reported to be lined up as his successor.

The former midfielder returned to his old club as head coach in January after Ruben Amorim's exit, initially signing a short-term contract through to the end of the season.

After leading United to a third-place finish and securing a return to the Champions League, he earned a new two-year contract in May.

Since then, however, results have collapsed. Carrick's grip on the job loosened as United managed only one league win and just three victories across all competitions.

In total, Carrick took charge of 32 matches across all competitions, winning 15 of them at a rate of 47%. His record in the Premier League was marginally stronger at 48%, while his average of 1.74 points per game as United boss stands as the club's best since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer managed 1.81.

A 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last month appeared to be the breaking point, yet United chose to stand by him. He then won just one of the following three matches, a Champions League victory over Roma.

As a player, Carrick made 464 appearances for United, collecting five Premier League titles, one Champions League crown and the FA Cup during a trophy-laden career.

After hanging up his boots, he joined the first-team coaching staff, working under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before taking interim charge when the latter was dismissed.

Carrick then spent two and a half years in charge of Middlesbrough before making his return to Old Trafford in January this year.