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“It's over!” Manchester United sack Michael Carrick, with Mauricio Pochettino set to take over
Manchester United have officially sacked Michael Carrick after a disastrous start to the 2026–27 season, with Mauricio Pochettino set to replace him as the club’s next manager.
Carrick’s dismissal was confirmed on Thursday, ending a turbulent spell that began with so much promise midway last season.
Carrick-Ball had initially impressed after taking charge last season, replacing Ruben Amorim, winning 11 of his first 16 matches and guiding the club to third place and Champions League qualification, which led the Man United hierarchy, giving him a two-year contract this season.
However, things went south this season. Manchester United have won just one of their 10 Premier League games so far and sit 18th in the table with eight points, inside the relegation zone.
A nine-match winless run in all competitions, including heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Chelsea, led to their worst ever start to a season since 1988.
In their last two games, against Roma and Aston Villa, Carrick's side showed incredible resilience and made consecutive comebacks from two-goal down thrice, but it wasn't enough.
The decision was made by the club's hierarchy following an internal review in the club in the last two days, and Carrick has been informed about the decision today.
The club confirmed the decision with an official statement saying, “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.” (sic)
“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.” (sic)
“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.” (sic)
The statement further read, “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.” (sic)
Now the attention has turned towards Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to leave the US national team and take over the helm at Old Trafford. The Argentine has agreed to join Man United and a deal will be finalised soon.
He is set to inherit one of the most difficult jobs in European football as United’s problems extend beyond the manager, with defensive instability, inconsistent performances and long-standing questions over ownership and recruitment all contributing to their massive decline.
For Carrick, it was a brutal end, and it was coming. Manchester United have yet again changed a manager, and whether it leads to success or repeat the same old cycle remains a question to be answered only in the future.
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