Manchester United sack manager Michael Carrick less than six months into the role

Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick following a disastrous start to the 2026-27 season, with the club enduring its worst start to a domestic league campaign in 40 years.

The decision was announced on Thursday, November 12, bringing an end to Carrick's second spell in charge at Old Trafford. His departure comes less than six months after he was handed a permanent contract.

The former Manchester United midfielder initially took charge in January 2026 following the departure of Ruben Amorim.

Appointed on an interim basis until the end of the 2025-26 season, Carrick made an immediate impact by guiding United to third place in the Premier League and securing Champions League qualification.

His successful interim spell earned him a two-year contract in May, extending his stay at the club until 2028. However, United's fortunes changed dramatically in the new campaign.

Why did Manchester United sack Michael Carrick?

Manchester United's poor results at the start of the 2026-27 season led to Carrick's dismissal. The team managed just three wins in 15 matches across all competitions, including only one victory in its opening 10 Premier League games.

United have collected just eight points from those 10 league matches, leaving them 18th in the standings and inside the relegation zone. Their record represents the club's worst start to a domestic league campaign in four decades.

Carrick oversaw 32 matches as United head coach across his two spells, winning 15 of them.

A 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday proved to be his final match. Despite fighting back to earn a point, United remained in the relegation zone, increasing pressure on the club's hierarchy to make a change.

In a statement, Manchester United said the decision followed a disappointing start to the season and that a change was necessary to achieve the club's ambitions.

The club also paid tribute to Carrick, describing him as a Manchester United legend and acknowledging his professionalism and achievements during the previous campaign.

Mauricio Pochettino emerges as Michael Carrick's potential replacement

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Carrick, with reports suggesting the Argentine has reached an agreement to take charge at Old Trafford.

Pochettino currently manages the United States men's national team. His previous managerial roles include Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Southampton and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 54-year-old guided Tottenham to the UEFA Champions League final in 2019 and won the French Ligue 1 title with PSG.

Reports suggest Pochettino has a release clause in his contract with the United States Soccer Federation, which could allow him to leave before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, Manchester United have yet to officially announce his appointment. The club has confirmed its intention to bring in a permanent successor as quickly as possible.

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United now face another managerial transition as they attempt to turn around a difficult campaign.

With the club sitting in the relegation zone after 10 league matches, the next appointment will carry significant pressure. Whether Pochettino takes charge or United consider another candidate, the immediate priority will be to improve results and move the club away from the bottom of the Premier League table.