Adedokun Waliyu Manchester United sacked manager Michael Carrick on Thursday after their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, with USA boss Mauricio Pochettino widely expected to replace him.
Former United midfielder Carrick led the team to an impressive third-place finish last season, but they have taken just eight points from 10 games in the current campaign and are mired in the relegation zone.
“Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach,” the club said in a statement.
“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.
“After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary to achieve our ambitions.”
Carrick’s final game in charge was a chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, after which he stressed that he would not walk away.
However, the United hierarchy have decided to act in the hope of saving their season after a disappointing record of just three wins from 15 games in all competitions.
It is believed Carrick’s future was decided on Wednesday during a meeting in Monaco involving co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Carrick had won plaudits for steadying the ship after Ruben Amorim’s turbulent reign ended with his dismissal in January.
However, hampered by the club’s underwhelming transfer window, the team has endured a steep decline this season.
Carrick has struggled to maintain discipline within his squad, dropping captain Bruno Fernandes after he criticised his manager’s tactics during a 4-1 thrashing by Champions League debutants Como.
Defender Lisandro Martinez also spoke out against the club’s hierarchy over their failure to make top-quality signings.
Pochettino has extensive Premier League experience following spells in charge of Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. He also coached Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine signed a contract extension to remain in charge of the United States national team until the 2030 World Cup just three months ago.
However, Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that United had “reached a verbal agreement in principle” with Pochettino, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford on several previous occasions, to become their new head coach.
Pochettino would face an enormous task in reviving a club that has never recovered from the departure of Alex Ferguson 13 years ago. United are yet to win a Premier League title since the retirement of the outstanding Scottish manager.
The Red Devils, once the dominant force in English football, have been overtaken by Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.
United’s next game is against fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
