Manchester United confirmed Carrick’s dismissal on Thursday morning. The 45-year-old leaves less than six months after being appointed permanent head coach. United sit 18th in the Premier League with just eight points from ten matches, leaving them in the relegation zone. The club’s hierarchy are now determined to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.
From United’s saviour to a relegation battle
Carrick initially returned to Manchester United as interim head coach in January following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. The club were seventh in the Premier League at the time, but the former midfielder inspired a remarkable resurgence. United won twelve of their remaining 17 league matches and finished third. No other Premier League side collected more points during that period. Victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea underlined the turnaround, earning Carrick a contract until 2028 in May.
That impressive form has completely deserted United this season. They have managed just one Premier League victory and are now winless in eight league matches. Their defensive record has been particularly alarming, with 19 goals conceded in ten games and not a single clean sheet.
Against Aston Villa, United twice fell two goals behind before rescuing a 4-4 draw with two stoppage-time strikes. Even the preceding 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma was not enough to save Carrick’s job.
United pay tribute to Carrick despite dismissal
In their official statement, Manchester United attributed the decision to the team’s disappointing start to the campaign. After considerable deliberation, the club’s leadership concluded that a change of head coach was necessary to fulfil their sporting ambitions.
United were also keen to recognise Carrick’s contribution, describing him as a club legend. The statement praised the dedication, professionalism and leadership he demonstrated both during his playing career and after returning as manager. His achievements last season, in particular, will be remembered fondly.
Chief executive Omar Berrada informed Carrick of his dismissal at the club’s Carrington training ground on Thursday morning. The decision followed discussions in Monaco involving Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Glazer family also gave their approval. Carrick’s coaching staff, including Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans, are reportedly leaving the club as well.
Pochettino closing in on the Manchester United job
Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the clear favourite to replace Carrick. According to media reports, Manchester United have already reached an agreement in principle with the 54-year-old Argentine, although his appointment has yet to be officially confirmed.
The main obstacle remains Pochettino’s contract with the United States Soccer Federation, which was extended in August until the 2030 World Cup. United have now made formal contact with U.S. Soccer to negotiate the terms of his release.
The reported buyout fee is around $10 million. Further compensation could be required to secure the services of Pochettino’s backroom staff, which includes his long-serving assistant Jesús Pérez.
Pochettino is currently preparing the United States for their two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti. According to the latest reports, he is expected to remain in charge for both matches before potentially completing his move to Manchester.
Liverpool away could be Pochettino’s first test
Manchester United hope to complete the managerial change during the international break. Their next fixture is a trip to Liverpool on 22 November, followed three days later by a Champions League match away to Sporting Lisbon.
Pochettino would have very little time to prepare his new side for those demanding encounters. Beyond their defensive problems, United are also dealing with unrest within the squad. Captain Bruno Fernandes recently questioned the team’s tactical approach, while Lisandro Martínez publicly criticised the club’s recruitment strategy.
Carrick’s dismissal marks the second time Manchester United have changed head coaches this calendar year. Pochettino would become the club’s eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
