Man Utd Set To Sack Michael Carrick After Worst Start In 40 Years, Pochettino Eyed As Replacement

Man Utd ready to axe Carrick after dismal start

The 4-4 thriller against Aston Villa papered over the cracks, but it couldn't hide the truth: Manchester United are in crisis. And now, Michael Carrick is reportedly set to pay the price.

Man Utd set to sack Michael Carrick after worst start in 40 years...

Michael Carrick's time at Manchester United looks to be coming to an end, with senior figures at Old Trafford already sounding out his successor after a disastrous opening to the campaign.

The 45-year-old earned the permanent role on the back of a strong interim spell last season, steering United to third in the Premier League.

United are languishing in 18th place with just eight points from their first 10 league games their worst start to a season in four decades.

Sunday's chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford laid their defensive problems bare once again, even though late goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu salvaged a point in stoppage time.

According to The Athletic, United plan to sack Carrick before the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on 22 November, following the international break.

🚨 Manchester United intend to relieve Michael Carrick of duties. #MUFC say no final decision & nothing set in stone but work undertaken on replacements + multiple sources anticipate change before Liverpool. W/ @lauriewhitwell @AdamCrafton_ @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/E1W3QbGYx1

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) November 9, 2026

The search for a replacement is already underway, with United States boss Mauricio Pochettino understood to be highly rated by those at Old Trafford.

Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann are also expected to be leading contenders on United's shortlist.

It is worth noting that any final call on Carrick's future will still need sign-off from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and majority owners the Glazer family.