Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick as head coach following a disastrous start to the 2026-27 campaign, with the club sitting in the Premier League relegation zone after 10 matches.
United confirmed the decision on Thursday, less than six months after Carrick signed a two-year contract following an impressive interim spell at Old Trafford.
The former midfielder initially took charge in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure, winning 12 of his 17 matches and guiding United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Change a necessity
However, three wins in 15 matches across all competitions this season proved insufficient to save his position.
Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa was his final game in charge, leaving United 18th in the Premier League with just eight points from 10 fixtures.
In a statement, the club said it had reached the “extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions”.
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Neville questions wider club structure
Gary Neville believes Carrick’s dismissal will do little to address the deeper problems at Old Trafford, arguing that repeated managerial changes have failed to deliver sustained improvement.
“You can keep changing the manager and thinking that’s going to be the answer. But this has been proven now over 12 years, that’s not the answer,” he told NBC.
The former United captain pointed towards weaknesses in the club’s recruitment and performance departments, alongside a lack of strong leadership.
Carrick leaves after contrasting fortunes
United praised Carrick’s professionalism and dedication, describing him as a club legend following his playing career and managerial contribution.
His achievements last season offered genuine optimism, but the club’s dramatic decline in form has ultimately brought his tenure to an abrupt end.
Man United now intend to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible, with Mauricio Pochettino emerging as their leading candidate.
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