Michael Carrick sacked by Man Utd as Mauricio Pochettino lined up

Michael Carrick has been sacked as Manchester United head coach after the club’s worst start to a Premier League season in years.

Fabrizio Romano and Andy Mitten both reported the decision on Thursday morning, with an official club statement expected later today. According to AOL, Carrick arrived at Carrington to take training as normal and was dismissed after a meeting with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada.

United have taken eight points from their first 10 league games, with one win, five draws and four defeats. They are 18th in the Premier League, in the relegation zone.

Mauricio Pochettino is set to replace him. United made formal contact with US Soccer on Wednesday night over the $10m (£7.5m) release clause in his contract.

Why Michael Carrick was sacked

Carrick took charge on 26 January after Ruben Amorim’s departure, initially on an interim basis. His impact was immediate: he led United to third place and back into the Champions League after a two-year absence, and was given the job permanently.

This season has gone badly wrong. A 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth and a 2-0 loss at Chelsea put him under serious pressure. United then came from two goals down to beat Roma 3-2 and fought back twice to draw 4-4 with Aston Villa on Sunday. It was not enough.

After the Villa game, Carrick said he expected to be in charge for the trip to Anfield and insisted he would not resign. “It’s not going to happen, no,” he said when asked whether he would walk away.

By Monday, his future was being decided at a meeting in Monaco involving Berrada, Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ornstein reported that the club were weighing their options.

‘Leaves with head held high’

Carrick oversaw 32 games as United head coach. Mitten, editor of United We Stand, paid tribute on X.

“Top lad, got the team in the Champions League against expectations,” he wrote. “Gave it his all, night and day. Protected others, never threw anyone under a bus. Worked in difficult circumstances. Leaves with head held high.”

The manner of his exit had already angered supporters. On Wednesday, Man Utd fans turned on the owners after reports that co-chairman Avram Glazer had signed off the Pochettino deal while Carrick was still taking training.

Carrick made 464 appearances for United as a player between 2006 and 2018, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League. He then joined the coaching staff under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Pochettino set to take over

Pochettino has verbally agreed terms with United, and the club are working to secure his release from his USA contract, which runs to the 2030 World Cup.

There is a timing issue. Pochettino is due to lead the USA in their two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti on Saturday in Miami and Tuesday in Cincinnati. Ornstein has reported that United are relaxed about him taking charge of both games.

If Pochettino leaves, US Soccer is expected to make Pep Guardiola its top target. Read our analysis of what Pochettino would change at Man Utd, and Harry Kane’s verdict on his former Spurs boss.

What happens next?

United do not play again until they face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 22 November, with a 4.30pm kick-off live on Sky Sports. That gives the club 10 days to complete Pochettino’s appointment and have him in place.

For all the latest, head to our Premier League news hub.

Michael Carrick sacked FAQ

Why was Michael Carrick sacked?
United took eight points from their first 10 Premier League games and sit 18th, in the relegation zone.

Who will replace Michael Carrick at Man Utd?
Mauricio Pochettino, the USA head coach, has verbally agreed terms. United must trigger a $10m (£7.5m) release clause.

When do Man Utd play next?
Liverpool away on Sunday 22 November, kick-off 4.30pm.